Marilyn Wells Brando, 70, beloved wife, sister, and mother, passed away on May 15, 2024.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Owen Wells, Jr. and Ruth Jean Smith Wells. Marilyn will be deeply missed by her family, including her beloved husband, Dennis Brando; sisters, Carolyn Wells Stumpf and Sherilyn Wells Burger; brother, Owen Wells III; children, Jamie Kluesner (Lori), Jeremy Kluesner, Chris Tuey (Judith), and Kristina Tuey (Michael Blades); grandchildren, Tripp Kluesner, Letycia, Larrisa, Alexander, and Callista Kluesner, and Michelle and Daniel Tuey. When she married Dennis, she gained a daughter, Cheryl McAfee (Danny), grand/great-grandchildren, James Arnold (Sarah), Jessica Zamora (Johnny), Shannon Risinger, Corey Ramirez, Anneliese Arnold, and Gavin Zamora. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and many friends who were like family to her including her best friend, Rosa Macias.

Marilyn grew up and spent her formative years in Benton, Missouri, and later moved to Texas. She spent many years serving others working in Spring ISD and finally retiring from the Health and Human Services Department at the City of Houston. Marilyn and Dennis spent much of their spare time volunteering with the Shriners. She loved spending time at the Shriners Circus selling t-shirts and taking her grandchildren with her to enjoy the show. They traveled to many cities with their friends in the Shriners, enjoying all the events she could dress up for and making sure to include an amazing hat to top off her perfect look. Shriner friends competitively bowled, and Marilyn made sure Dennis was there ready to take the win. Cruising was one of Marilyn's favorite things to do when vacationing with Dennis. They cruised multiple times a year and spent time together exploring all the ports over the last 15 years. Marilyn had a "giver's" heart, always wanting to help others and make sure everyone was taken care of, especially when it involved food. She loved to cook and share food with everyone. Her home was open every holiday for her family to spend time together. Having everyone together is what made her the happiest.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, please send a donation to:
Shriners Children's
Attn: Shriners Children's
PO Box 947765
Atlanta, GA 30394

Or via website: www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/giving

The family will welcome friends at 11am, Friday, May 24, 2024, at Sagemont Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service.