Marilyn C. Phelps passed away on 4 September 2025 after a lengthy illness. She was 81 years old. She leaves behind a legacy defined by unwavering service and heartfelt generosity. Her dedication touched countless lives, and her efforts wove together the fabric of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary (OVFC LA) for more than half a century.
Marilyn joined the OVFC LA in 1969 and is a Life Member. She served as President in 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1985, and 1986. She served as Vice President in 1978, Secretary in 1983 and 1984, and Treasurer from 2012-May 2021. She served on the following committees – OVFC LA 50th and 70th anniversary, Pin and Badge, Constitution and By-laws, Auditing, and Ways and Means. She was always willing to offer guidance whenever needed.
Marilyn worked almost all the fundraisers over the years and helped with the prep work including bull roasts, crab feasts, craft shows, flea markets, bingos, lunches, suppers, train shows, catering events, Lunch with the Easter Bunny, Lunch with Santa, teen dances, and of course carnival. She was a regular at Odenton Day and marched in parades when the ladies would attend them.
Marilyn worked with the American Red Cross on apartment fires in Glen Burnie and any time the Red Cross asked the ladies for assistance. She took First Aid classes and the Red Cross CPR classes. She prepared and delivered food and drinks to the firemen during brush fire season, house burnings, and any two alarm fires they were on.
Marilyn was proud that her granddaughter, Ashlee, her daughter-in-law, Carolyn, and Ashlee’s aunt, Brenda, were also embers of the Ladies Auxiliary.
Marilyn was a delegate to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association. She served as President from 1981-1982. She served on the Ways and Means, Publicity, and Membership committees. She could always be counted on to buy raffle tickets for the many fundraisers. Marilyn was inducted into the AA Co. VFA LA Hall of Fame on 8 September 1994. Even in her failing health, she always made sure that her booster ads were paid and posted in the ACVFA convention book to help OVFC win the trophy for the most boosters.
Marilyn served as delegate to the Ladies Auxiliary to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (LAMSFA) conferences and conventions for countless years. At one time, she aspired to moved up the chairs to serve as President of the LAMSFA.
