Marilyn Diana Yarde was born on July 14, 1977, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Chesterfield Yarde and Clotilda Yarde.The youngest of three daughters, Marilyn was the light of her parents’ eyes from birth, bringing joy, warmth, and quiet strength to her family throughout her life.

Marilyn attended Ebenezer Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School in Brooklyn. She later attended Sarah J. Hale High School, where she graduated as valedictorian, a reflection of her dedication, discipline, and pride in academic excellence. During her high school years, Marilyn volunteered at Brooklyn Hospital Center and Prospect Park, demonstrating an early commitment to service and compassion for others. These qualities were not fleeting achievements, but lifelong traits that Marilyn carried with her into every chapter of her life.

She went on to attend Hunter College in New York City, majoring in Psychology. Her academic pursuits mirrored her genuine interest in people and her caring nature. Marilyn devoted nearly 20 years to her career as an Affordable Housing Specialist with Bronstein Properties in Queens, New York. Her long tenure reflected her stability, consistency, and dedication to her work. She was deeply respected and loved by her coworkers, who became her extended family, and she will be dearly missed by all who worked alongside her.

Marilyn was known for her gentle spirit, her compassion, and her beautiful smile—one that could instantly put others at ease. In the past year of her life, she took on one of her most meaningful roles: caregiver to her beloved mother. She did so with unwavering love, patience, and devotion, remaining steadfast by her mother’s side and exemplifying the depth of her character and the strength of her heart. 

Marilyn found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including her Starbucks coffee and weekly shopping trips, moments that brought her comfort and happiness. 

Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Chesterf ield Yarde. She leaves to mourn her beloved mother, Clotilda Yarde; her sisters, Patricia and Sandra; her aunt, Embercio; her uncles, Lavington and Norville; her nieces, Tamica, Patra, and Karen; her nephews, Eddie, William, and Larry; her dear friends Denise Saint Fort and Bhojmatie Budhoo; her co-workers and work family at Bronstein Properties; and a host of cousins and friends. 

Marilyn Diana Yarde will be remembered for her intelligence, compassion, dedication, and the love she so freely gave. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.

Lovingly Submitted, 

The Family