Marilyn Abbott Gentile

Marilyn Gentile

Marilyn Abbott Gentile, 87, died June 7, 2013. She was the widow of the Rev. Frank Gentile and then the Rev. Jody Shipley. She supported Frank’s ministry when the Gentiles served the Universalist Church in Eldorado, OH. The scrutiny of small town living was a real challenge for Marilyn. After three years they moved to Southfield, MI, to start a new ministry.

Marilyn earned an MSW at Wayne University. She became a well-respected social worker in the greater Detroit area and flourished in her work.

After Frank’s sudden death in 1984, Marilyn fell in love with Jody, who was a close family friend. They relocated to Berkeley, CA, where she continued in her profession as a social worker and conscientiously chaired the UUA’s continental Women and Religion Committee for a number of years.

Marilyn was a full-fledged partner in Jody’s work at the Modesto UU Church and then in her community ministry. Jody’s death in 2002 was a terrible blow to Marilyn. They both were involved for many years in Women With Wings, the intentional community, which commemorated Marilyn’s life.