Marilyn Kouris Darmody, 92

In Loving Memory of Marilyn Kouris Darmody
June 2, 1933 – June 14, 2025

Marilyn Kouris Darmody, age 92, of Peachtree City, Georgia, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025. Born and raised in Hammond, Indiana, she made Peachtree City her home for nearly 50 years, where she became a cherished part of the community.

Early in life, while attending Purdue University, Marilyn shared a college course with future astronaut Neil Armstrong and often spoke with him—an experience she fondly recalled as a brush with history before the world knew his name.

In her youth, she worked as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines, embracing travel with energy and grace. She married her beloved husband, Lt. Colonel William Darmody, in 1967. Afterward, she served as a docent at Colonial Williamsburg, where she nurtured a deep passion for American history and remained a lifelong supporter of its educational mission and preservation efforts.

Following her time in Williamsburg, Marilyn and Bill lived in Europe for many years and continued exploring the world together well into their 80s. Among their memorable later-life adventures were visits to China, Iceland, and Vietnam—where they retraced locations Bill had known during his military career, blending discovery with reflection. Marilyn especially loved sharing these journeys through vivid family slide shows that turned each destination into a story.

Marilyn was a passionate leader in Friendship Force, a global organization promoting goodwill through cultural exchange. She welcomed families from around the world into her home—and along the way, had the opportunity to meet several world leaders, moments she treasured throughout her life.

She gave generously to charitable organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, and was proud to have met President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter during her volunteer work and while attending their Sunday school.

Marilyn and Bill also spent joyful summers at their home in Skaneateles, New York—where their love story began—engaging in the lakeside community and surrounded by family.

She is survived by her nephews Patrick Martin (Rebecca), Paul Martin (Liz), Mike Gerike (Joann), John Gerike (Bonnie), Tom Gerike (Angie), and Peter Knapik (Margaret); her niece Beth Anne (Knapik) Moll; and several beloved great nieces, nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Colonel William Darmody; sisters Judith Gerike (Harold) and Athene Knapik (Frank); parents Michael and Edith Kouris; niece Melanie Martin Pendergast; great nephew Casey Pendergast; and nephew-in-law David Moll.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on August 5 at First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City, Georgia. Marilyn will be laid to rest at 10:00 a.m. on August 6 at Georgia National Military Cemetery in Canton, Georgia, alongside her husband.

Marilyn’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the friendships she nurtured, and the memories she leaves behind.