Marilyn's Life Story - by Marilyn
I was born the middle child (between sisters Dorothy and Peggy) in Scranton, Pennsylvania on September 15th, 1931. My parents were Albert and Margaret (Watkins) Aston – both of Welsh heritage. When in grade school we moved to Radford, Virginia, then to Baraboo, Wisconsin. My father passed away suddenly when I was 12 years old.
At 14, I lost my mother to cancer. The summer before my senior year I moved to Los Angeles with one of my two sisters, my aunt and uncle (Mary and Harold, whom I already loved and became our legal guardians after my mother’s death) and their two boys, Bill and David.
I worked in accounting for Farmers Insurance and Richfield Oil. In 1954, I fell in love with Don Fontana. He was the organist and music teacher at my church. He became the choral conductor and Minister of Music after returning from Japan where he served in the U.S. Army. From L.A. we moved to Inglewood, then to Torrance (where we brought our first home). We then relocated to Glendale where my husband worked at the Presbyterian Church. After seven years, we settled in Orange County when Don became the Minister of Music at the Crystal Cathedral, conducting a 100 voice choir on the HOUR OF POWER, an international television program.
My husband’s next position was in Newport Beach at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. I sang in his choir through the years and so enjoyed it. He was an extraordinary, highly talented musician. He passed away in 2000 with complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. I miss him and his music.
Through the years my husband and I hosted six European tours and one trip to the British Isles. We often entertained the choirs in our home. My family and choir members would spontaneously break into song and dance. In addition, we had several luaus around our pool. It was simply delightful.
I was a stay-at-home mom when my children were young. Later, I worked as a medical assistant to an acupuncturist, then to a medical physician. My favorite job was as a receptionist and assistant accountant for Hospital Chaplain’s Ministry – for ten years before I retired. I cherished my friends there, as well as those from our churches.
We enjoyed raising four children, all of whom have made us proud. Greg is now a heart surgeon at Cedar’s Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles (Greg is now at Lenox Hill Hospital, NYC). Randy is a screenwriter and director residing in L.A. One of his movies, Convergence, will be shown at the Sedona Film Festival the last week of February (Randy is currently adapting King Lear for MGM).
Kimberly and Kristin are fraternal twins and the youngest of our clan. Kim lives nearby and is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Kristin lives in Oregon and works as an Astrologer. I am blessed with four adorable grandchildren - Katya, Scott, Tony and Tyler.
My favorite foods are pork roast, baked potatoes, green beans and applesauce. I also love cheesecake, pie, and hot fudge Sundays. (My mouth is watering just thinking about it.) Actually, any chocolate will do in a pinch.
I love to dance, go to good movies, attend musicals and travel. I feel at home at Palacio (active Senior Living). The staff is so gracious and kind. The residents are friendly. It’s a happy place. I’ve been here for a little over two years.
My secret to a long life is that I depend on the Lord for strength and guidance.
Marilyn Fontana - January 2011