Marilyn Ann Carr

Marilyn (Spinks) Carr, 83, of Canastota passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 17, 2025, after a brief illness. She was born on November 4, 1941. Parents were Leslie and Alice (Burke) Merrill. She graduated from North Syracuse School District.
Marilyn had many accomplishments; her eight children were her proudest, she always put family first. She was a strong and determined woman who rose above and beyond life’s challenges, working several jobs to provide for her children. She was a very passionate woman with a great sense of humor, was thrifty and very thoughtful on gifts she gave to the ones she cared about.
Marilyn and husband Doug owned Doug’s Rent-A-Boat, Restaurant and Motel on Oneida Lake in Bridgeport for many years. Marilyn photographed many fishermen and their daily catches, and together they wrote fishing articles for the Eagle newspapers and the New York Sportsman magazine. Each fishing article ended with the phrase “Let’s get out and Get’em!!” At the restaurant, Marilyn was the chef, Doug was the bartender. They chatted with their patrons which provided great material for Marilyn’s “Lakeside Neighbors” articles. Marilyn was later employed at BJ’s wholesale Club, and Nicotra’s Farm stands for years where she loved talking with customers. At Carrier Corp, she was proud to be a certified forklift operator!
Marilyn was a dedicated wife, who loved her husband Douglas Carr and had been married for thirty years. They met in high school and were sweethearts at North Syracuse, graduating in 1959. They had eight children together; Kathy (Mark), Sue (Steve) Cooley, Judy (Dave) Hulpiau, Doug (Jen), Dan, Sandy (Ben), Patty Damon and Lesley Johnson; twenty grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She is survived by brother Gerald (Eleanor) Merrill, nieces Kristin (Steve) Boydstun, Amy (Jeff) and nephew Russ (Linda) Arnold, and many extended family members. She was predeceased by Carl Spinks, her sister Linda (Spinks) Arnold and niece Teresa (Arnold) Chapin.
Marilyn enjoyed spending time with her family, she would do anything to help them, and several lived with her when they were in need. Marilyn enjoyed going to auctions, and “Garage Saling” where she found valuable antique glassware and would negotiate prices. More recently she navigated FB Marketplace to locate these bargains. She enjoyed crocheting gifts for family such as tablecloths, hats, mittens, and blankets. Marilyn had a green thumb and was able to keep all types of flowers and plants blooming year-round!
A private burial will be planned for the family, and there will be no calling hours.
A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be on Sunday May 18, 2025 from 1pm to 5pm at the Bridgeport VFW Memorial Post 8440 located at 516 NY-31, Bridgeport NY 13030

All family and friends are invited to join us to Celebrate Marilyn Carr’s Life!

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