Marilyn Clark Alberding passed away on June 6, 2023, at her home in Cazenovia. A native of Syracuse, she fondly remembered her school days at John T. Roberts Elementary, Goodyear Burlingame and Nottingham High School. Upon graduating from Wells College in 1953, she earned an MBA at Harvard Business School through Radcliffe College. Training women in business was viewed as radical at the time and she excelled in management throughout her life.
Marriage to her first husband, Robert Wilkinson, in 1955, gave her three daughters and they moved from New York to Colorado, Idaho, Michigan and Massachusetts. She received her master’s degree in library science from Simmons College and loved working as a research librarian and training manager at Hewlett Packard. She mentored many women in their careers. Her marriage to Richard Alberding in 1982 brought her to Half Moon Bay, CA, and they enjoyed many adventures worldwide with Dick’s career. Marilyn was active with Peninsula Open Space Trust, Pescadero Library, Alumni Resources, the Francisca Club and the World Affairs Council in San Francisco.
Returning to her roots, they retired to their home, Longshore, on Cazenovia Lake in 1993 where they and their family and friends created many cherished memories. She enjoyed hosting Christmas parties, summer chamber music concerts and May Teas with her kindergarten classmates. Her favorite times were being with family and friends and she made everyone feel at home and welcome.
She is survived by her husband, Richard Alberding; her sister and brother in-law Carol and Ed Knoblock; Marilyn’s children Karen Clark, Randa Wilkinson and Holly Wilkinson, and Dick’s children Mark and Shoko Alberding, Lynn and Laurent Delifer, Lisa and Rob Schlabowske; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and one on the way.
Marilyn lived a full and joyous life. She is known for her generous soul, business savvy, indomitable energy and the many lives she touched. We invite you to celebrate her life by “going forth” and knowing that you are “surrounded by a cloud of love.”
Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association online at www.heart.org/donate. Condolences for Marilyn’s family may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.
