Marilyn Boyle

MADISON - Marilyn Kien Boyle, age 86, passed away, peacefully at her home, of natural causes, on November 21, 2025. She was born on September 26, 1939, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Emil and Linda (Crispin) Mescoe.

In 1958, Marilyn married Allen L. Kien in Seaside Park, NJ, following his service in the US Coast Guard and her graduation from Central Regional High School. They lived in the Cincinnati, Ohio area before moving to Madison, WI in 1973, where they raised four children, during 25 years of marriage. She later married Thomas D. Boyle, and together they shared 30 wonderful years.

Marilyn's life was rich with passions, creativity and purpose. She enjoyed homemaking, gardening, quilting, Cherokee lake Sunsets, volunteering, Madison Farmers Markets and Art Fairs on the Square, and adoring her dogs and "grand-dogs". She loved hosting family gatherings for holidays and made sure birthdays were celebrated with her special double chocolate cake. For 25 years, Marilyn worked at Stitcher's Crossing quilt shop, inspiring countless people to discover quilting and indulge in beautiful fabrics. Quilting was her creative passion and legacy-she made hundreds of quilts, often featuring her favorite color red, in every shade.

Her perennial garden was her daily walk with God, a place where she nurtured faith and beauty through every season. Marilyn volunteered at Olbrich Gardens, shared her garden on their tours, and was active in Mendota Garden Guild. For 30 years, she delivered Meals on Wheels to elderly and disabled neighbors, offering not just nourishment but friendship.

Marilyn had a fun sense of humor, a recognizable laugh, and a deep appreciation for family traditions, homemade meals, and handmade gifts. Keeping the birds fed and teasing the squirrels was entertainment. She knitted booties, sweaters, hats, scarves, and mittens galore-a skill learned from her mother-and enjoyed puzzles, coloring, music, and games with her grandchildren. Marilyn loved thrifting, sharing her treasured recipes, traveling to Door County for quilt retreats with daughters and dear friend Kristie Christy and having pizza with her neighbors while watching the Badgers, Brewers or Packers. Her favorite celebrations included Christmas with everyone gathering to cut down their Christmas tree and the fun white elephant gift exchange. Fourth of July fireworks made for fun Boyle family Reunions, too!

She is survived by her sister, Frances B. (Bob) Boggiano; children, Robin (Cameron) Tyler, Russel (Valerie) Kien, Dawn (Andrew) Ratts, and Cheryl (Tom) Wilson; stepdaughter, Pam (Tom) Kursel; and many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren- with more on the way - all wrapped in quilts made with love. Her grandchildren include Maverick Kien, Blaze Kien, Trent (Tricia) Cummings, Bryce (Vicki) Cummings, Alison Tyler (Derek) Sklenar, Jeff (Dylan) Dolphin, Parker (Laina) Dolphin, Tom Ratts, Oliver Ratts, Kathryn Wilson, Paige (Colin) O'Donoghue, Christine Wilson, Connor Kursel, Renee (Sean) O'Brien, and Ryan (Abby) Kursel. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; and husbands, Allen L. Kien and Thomas D. Boyle.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Waunakee Senior Center's Meals on Wheels Meals, in Marilyn's memory.

Marilyn will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her kindness, creativity, and unwavering love for family and community. To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257