Marilyn Rowena Braithwaite

Our sweet, devoted, enthusiastic, and talented Marilyn Rowena Braithwaite (née Lutener), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, will be fondly remembered for her beautiful singing voice, signature red hair, impeccable sense of style, and wonderful sense of humor. Incredibly thoughtful, she never missed an opportunity to send a birthday or anniversary card to someone she loved and always had a witty joke ready to make others laugh. Marilyn passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, at the age of 80, surrounded by her loving family.

Born September 17, 1945, in El Paso, TX, Marilyn was a lifelong resident. As a sixth grader, she attended W.H. Burges High School in its opening year, 1955, and graduated a proud Mustang in 1962 at age 16. Marilyn received her Bachelor of Education from the closing class of Texas Western College (UTEP) in 1966, having completed her studies in December 1965.

After meeting her sweetheart, Ted Braithwaite, in seventh grade and reuniting 16 years later, they married in December 1973. They were inseparable soulmates, affectionately known as “Ted & Red.” The two shared a deeply loving and devoted marriage of nearly 47 years until Ted’s passing in 2020. They shared a love of the arts; Ted was an art teacher and stained-glass artist, while Marilyn sang and played piano.

Their cherished and only child, Catherine “Cat” Braithwaite, is a resident of Gilbert, AZ, with her husband, David Jackson, and their 16-month-old daughter, Isabel “Izzy” Ness Jackson.

Although Marilyn’s teaching career was short-lived, it served as the perfect springboard to nearly 30 years of dedicated service at El Paso Natural Gas Company, where she developed close friendships with many of her coworkers. Of special note is her dear friend Yvette and husband Greg Young, now both of Grapevine, TX. Marilyn was forever grateful to Yvette for being her Maid of Honor, and the Youngs for serving as Godparents to Catherine and “Great-Godparents” to baby Izzy.

Marilyn enjoyed a deep love of music and singing for as long as she—or any of us!—could remember. From participating in the Burges High School Choir in 1959 through the last few years of her life, she remained an active vocalist. “An angel’s voice” is how many described her. Committed to her choral community, Marilyn sang with prestigious groups including the Choir of the Southwest, El Paso Pro-Musica, and the Bruce Nehring Consort, all formed and directed by her treasured friend, Bruce Nehring. Marilyn cherished every opportunity for fellowship and performance with her musical family. Together with her dearest friends, she shared memorable performances in Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Australia, including highlights at the 1986 World Expo in Vancouver, Canada, and the 1988 World Expo in Brisbane, Australia.

An active vocalist at her church, Unity of El Paso, Marilyn served as choir director for 12 years and often sang alongside her cherished older sister, Carol Lutener Smith. As the church’s musical cornerstone, Marilyn approached her role with deep devotion, nurturing friendships and faith along the way.

Marilyn always looked forward to annual trips to Ted’s hometown of Manti, UT, often stopping in Dove Creek, CO, to visit with her aunts.

Marilyn is survived by her most precious daughter, Catherine “Cat” Braithwaite (David Jackson), and granddaughter, Isabel “Izzy” Jackson, nicknamed “Busy Izzy” by Marilyn; her El Paso family: nephews Eric Bullock (Maria “Liz,” née Valles) and Joe Bullock III (Ashley, née Lida); nieces Rachel Garrison (née Bullock, John) and Carol Bolke (née Bullock, Marc Mayfield) and their families; along with her extended Braithwaite family, including many beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Braithwaite; her parents, John Oral and Rowena Ellalee Lutener (née Snyder); and her sister, Carol Margaret Smith (née Lutener, Thomas “Tom”).

A special thank you to Doctors Joshua Rodriguez and Douglas Payne, as well as 1st Choice Hospice, Home Sweet Home adult foster home, and all the caregivers who gave Marilyn unmeasured love and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Unity El Paso, 1420 Alabama St., El Paso, TX, on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marilyn’s memory to the charity of your choice.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24