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Marilyn Rao Obituary
June 20, 1940 - June 29, 2025
Folsom, California - Marilyn Canische Rao passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. Her radiant spirit, generous heart, and unwavering love touched everyone who knew her.
Born June 20, 1940, Marilyn graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School in 1958 and dedicated 25 years to the California Department of Justice, 13 with the Bureau of Narcotics and 12 with the Attorney General's Office, serving with integrity and grace.
She loved celebrating holidays, decorating her home, and gathering with family and friends. She enjoyed baking chocolate chip cookies especially for her grandchildren.
Marilyn and her husband, Bernie, began their journey together 40 years ago and shared 33 beautiful years of marriage, filled with deep love, devotion, and cherished companionship. They traveled the world together, especially enjoying trips to their ancestral homelands in Italy and Portugal. They also loved playing cards with friends and gathering with their gourmet dinner club. Their Christmas parties and Fourth of July celebrations were long-standing traditions and cherished highlights each year.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Americo and Cecelia Canische. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Greg Thielen (Sammi), Steve Thielen, and Lori Dougherty (John); her stepchildren, Dina Rao, Tony Rao (Michelle), Angie Rao, and Alexis Brache (Tony); her grandchildren, Alexandra Thielen Conrad (Alex), Max Thielen, Joe Thielen, Kristi Thielen Law (Brandon), Kyle Thielen (Myriah), Jack Dougherty, Aidan Dougherty, Sophia Rao, Logan Rao, and Maya Brache; and her great-grandchildren, Cooper Conrad and Hayes Conrad; her dear sister, Sandie McGrath, and her nieces and nephews.
A Rosary and Mass will be held Monday, July 14 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Cemetery, 6700 21st Ave, Sacramento, followed by a Celebration of Life at Propagate, 1700 I Street. All are welcome to honor a life beautifully lived.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Rao
Sponsored by Sacbee.com.
Rita Barry Moon
July 9, 2025
Marilyn was one of my best friends in high school. She was the prettiest. the smartest,funiest and so much a part of my teenage years. We had many memoriable adventures together,tears and laughter. She was and always will be one of the kindest,sweetest,spirtual persons I know.Love to you always,dear friend
Antoinette (Toni) Rao-Southerlan
July 8, 2025
Marilyn is one of the sweetest people I have ever known. I thank her for being a loving partner to my brother for so many years. She will be missed and forever loved.
Toni, Paul and the rest of the family in Texas
Sammi Jo Thielen
July 6, 2025
In loving memory of an amazing woman, mom, mother-in-law, grandma, and great grandma! I could not have been more blessed to have Marilyn in my life as my mother-in-law. She will be missed by so many who will always hold her memory close to our hearts.
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St. Mary Cemetery & Funeral Center6509 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA 95820
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