Marilyn Ann Farek Callan, 70, passed away in Victoria, Texas on November 28, 2025. 

Marilyn was born on July 17, 1955 in Victoria, TX to the late Donald Paul Farek and Mildred Mae (Vogt) Farek.   Marilyn attended Mission Valley School and Stroman High School.  

In 1970, Marilyn met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Stephen Callan, at a family celebration honoring her godfather, Uncle Don Vogt, who was home on leave from the Navy. Don brought along his dear friend and fellow sailor, Bob— and from the moment they met, Marilyn described it as love at first sight. She cherished this story and continued sharing it with others throughout her life, even in her final days. Marilyn and Bob were married on July 16, 1973, and together they were blessed with three children: Jennifer Ann, Mary Mae, and Robert Stephen Jr. (Robbie). Her children were her greatest pride and joy.

Marilyn truly embraced her role as a “Navy Wife”. Marilyn and Bob spent the early years of their marriage in Virginia, Indiana, North Carolina and Connecticut. Marilyn spent time working for Navy Relief and spent years volunteering as a Girl Scout troop leader.  She enjoyed visiting the various landscapes and historical sites throughout the different states she lived in, but the beach was always one of her favorite places to be.  

When Bob retired from the Navy, the family settled back in Marilyn’s hometown of Victoria, Texas.  Marilyn always had a blast celebrating the holidays at her parent’s home with all the extended family.  She made many happy memories with her sister Diane when they would pack up the kids and make spontaneous day trips to the beach, spending the day in the sun, swimming, and listening to their boombox.  Her Saturday nights were often spent listening to classic rock with her brother, Robbie. They would reminisce about the good ol’ days and make silly phone requests to the "Saturday Night Oldies Party” radio show.
Marilyn used her many talents in several fields, including retail, gardening, and craft instruction. One of her favorite positions was with the local radio station K-Lite, where she proudly earned her broadcasting license. This achievement led her to a venture with Red Eye Radio, where she had the opportunity to interview well-known artists, including Andrew Ross of Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere & the Raiders. A lifelong fan of rock music, Marilyn loved attending concerts and sharing her passion for music with her family and friends.
Marilyn had many creative and artistic hobbies throughout her life including sewing, embroidery, floral design, macrame’, soap making, crochet and photography. She made beautiful handmade Christmas ornaments that she gifted to many families and friends over the years. Marilyn also had a green thumb and loved growing plants from seed.  She knew the botanical names of all her plants and had a passion for tropical plants.  

One of Marilyn’s favorite pastimes was reading and listening to audiobooks.  She read multiple books every week.   She enjoyed both fiction and nonfiction, including topics such as anthropology, astronomy, forensics, Celtic history, botany, maritime history, European medieval history, and the monarchy of England/Britain.  

Marilyn always had an appreciation for older homes, particularly homes from the Victorian era.   In the late 1990s, Marilyn fell in love with a 1910s home in Runge, Tx.   Bob told her “I’m going to buy you that house”, and he did.   Marilyn enjoyed decorating the home and planting beautiful plants in the yard for many years.  She and Bob made many memories with their growing families and loved having their grandkids running around and playing at the house. 
After Bob’s passing in 2019, Marilyn returned to her hometown of Victoria.  She mourned the loss of Bob deeply, but a few years after his passing, she found comfort in the companionship of an old friend, Ray Gene Kurtz, with whom she shared a close bond until his passing in 2023.  Marilyn continued her hobbies of gardening, reading and photography through her last days.  

Marilyn is survived by her children, daughter  Jennifer Callan Flores and spouse Reynaldo Flores; daughter Mary Mae Callan Garcia and spouse Victor Garcia;  son Robert Stephen Callan, Jr. ;  her  grandchildren,  Jt Turner, John Michael Turner, Victor Garcia, Cynthia Marie Garcia, Jordan Flores, Callan Flores, Haille Dick, Hannah Callan, and Robert Stephen Callan III; her brother Robert “Robbie”  Wayne Farek and spouse Bonda Farek;  sister Diane Rose Hurdle and spouse Michael Hurdle; brother-in-law Dennis Callan and spouse Melinda Callan; brother-in-law Joseph Callan and spouse Judy Callan; and  sister-in-law Joyce Callan .

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Stephen Callan, mother Mildred Vogt Farek (Lee), Father Donald Paul Farek, sister-in-law Monica Farek, brother-in-law David Callan, and companion, Ray Gene Kurtz.

Marilyn will remain forever in our hearts.  May the many happy memories of Marilyn bring comfort to those who loved her.  Per her wishes, a public memorial service is not planned.