Marilyn Ilene Cullen, 86, passed away Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at her home in Fernandina Beach.
She was born in Lansing, Ill., in May 1932, as one of six children.
Marilyn was a pioneer in the travel industry. It began in 1953 when she became a flight stewardess for American Airlines. Later, she went on to learn the travel agency side of the industry with a travel agency in Chicago, before she opened her own International Group Travel Agency, VIP Travel of Chicago. Marilyn took numerous groups around the world to numerous countries including England, Italy, France, Russia, Mexico, as well as to countries in South and Central America. She became one of the high-producing travel agencies for several airlines and was invited to invitation-only clubs to celebrate agencies’ significant success in purchasing trips and charters.
Marilyn lived out her strong love for the Lord as most of her international group travel tours were for Christian organizations. She remained a faithful servant throughout her life to God's work through mission trips abroad and local Christian charitable organizations.
After Marilyn relocated to Colorado Springs, Colo. and started another International Group Travel Agency, she met and married the love of her life, Hugh L. Cullen. After her marriage to Hugh, and the subsequent sale of her travel agency in Colorado Springs, Marilyn and Hugh moved to Fernandina Beach. They continued their love of international travel during their marriage of 30 years until his death. They worked together tirelessly to share the love of Christ throughout the community.
She spent many hours contributing to the Hope House, Salvation Army and other charitable Christian groups and was a charter member of Amelia Baptist Church.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her loving husband, Hugh L. Cullen; her parents; five siblings; and one of her beloved nephews.
Marilyn is survived by 18 nieces and nephews; Hugh’s nephew; one brother; and a sister-in-law, along with many very good friends.
Marilyn's memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 12, 2019, at The Journey Church, 95707 Amelia Concourse, Fernandina Beach.
Memorial donations may be made to The Journey Church or Community Hospice.