Marilyn B. Zolata

Marily Zolata (nee Brahney), age 92, passed away peacefully in the early morning of April 22, 2026, with her daughter Laura by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Andrew E. Zolata Jr. for 58 years; the loving mother of Andrew III (Darlene), Larry, Laura, Nancie (Scott) Sesny, Michael, and John (Dian); dearest grandmother of Marissa, Brynn, and Reese Sesny, Arielle (Nick), and Danny; dear daughter of the late Francis and the late Regina (Walsh); sister of John Brahney and the late Irene (Neil); sister-in-law of the late Lawrence P. Zolata (Kathy) and the late Jewell (Zdanowicz) and her husband Al; beloved aunt of Andrea (Doug), Audrey Alatas and her son Brandan, Anita (Mark), Jim (Alice), Joyce (Rich), Janice (Tim), and Jeff.

Marilyn was a former City of Bedford councilwoman and vice mayor and a member of the Bedford/Walton Hills Democratic Club, Bedford Student Government, the Bedford Garden Club, the Bedford Seniors Club, the Bedford Historical Society, St. Mary’s PTU, and St. Mary’s Ladies Guild, where she served as vice president, as well as numerous other volunteer organizations in the City of Bedford. She was especially fond of her friends at Light of Hearts Villa, where she generously gave her time supporting many events and fundraisers.

Marilyn was born in Cleveland, OH, and attended Ursuline Sacred Heart Academy, where she earned a writing scholarship to John Carroll University. After college, she worked at the Lord & Taylor department store in downtown Cleveland and enjoyed spending time with her lifelong best friend, Rose Kerver. She later met and married her husband, Andrew (“Andy”), and together they raised their six children in Bedford. Her second career led her into Bedford politics, where she served as a councilwoman for 26 years, succeeding her husband, who had previously served as a councilman for 11 years.

She loved talking with and helping her neighbors and fellow residents of Bedford. Her children quickly learned not to accompany her to the grocery store on a Saturday, as it would often take hours while she stopped to chat with everyone! She also enjoyed long walks in her Carylwood neighborhood and throughout her Ward 3, as well as yardwork, being outdoors, and volunteering at various city events, festivals, and Parties in the Park. It was often said that if there was a local event, Marilyn would be there—and she’d bring cookies!

She deeply loved the City of Bedford and was honored as Bedford Citizen of the Year in 2010.

Most of all, she cherished her husband and her family - her children and grandchildren, her brother and sister, her many friends & neighbors, her beloved cat Ginger and was especially proud of her Irish heritage.

Friends will be received at THE ST. JOHN FUNERAL HOME, 923 BROADWAY AVE, BEDFORD (ONE MILE WEST OF FORBES-BROADWAY EXIT OFF I-271) SUNDAY April 26th from 2 – 7 PM with prayers held at 6:30 PM.

Mass of Christian Burial MONDAY April 27th at 11 AM at ST. MARY IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, 340 UNION STREET, BEDFORD. (Everyone please meet at church).  Burial to follow at Bedford Cemetery.

Although flowers are appreciated, the family suggests contributions to Light of Hearts Villa, 283 Union Street, Bedford, OH 44146.

Memorial Gifts: https://lightofheartsvilla.org/honor-memorial-gifts/