Marilyn Ann (Coffey) Torbett

Marilyn Ann Coffey Torbett died on December 16, 2025, in Dallas, Texas, where she lived for the last seven years of her life. Marilyn was born on March 12, 1938, in Okarche, Oklahoma.

Marilyn was the fourth of six children born to Katherine Reherman and John William Coffey. Okarche was a town of less than 1,000, where the Coffey family farmed. When reminiscing about her childhood, Marilyn recalled riding her horse; shenanigans with her brothers, Tom, Jack, Jerry, and Mike; being intimidated by the nuns who taught at Holy Trinity School; and the comfort of her parents’ gentle spirits. The Coffeys’ strong bond of family and faith gave Marilyn the foundation of love she needed to think big and live boldly.

Marilyn moved from Okarche to “the City” her senior year of high school to help her sister, Patsy Andrews, and her sister’s young family while Patsy recovered from a car accident. Marilyn graduated from Bishop McGuinness High School in 1956; attended OU, where she became a proud Tri Delt; and, after graduating from college in 1960, taught high school Spanish. Through friends, Marilyn met a young Arthur Andersen accountant, John Eugene (Gene) Torbett, and they married in 1962. Marilyn and Gene were married for 58 years until Gene’s death in 2021.

Marilyn was determined, ahead of her time, and mostly courageous (she obsessed about unlocked doors and under-cooked food). She spent the summer after college studying in Spain, which was a very long way from her Okarche home. Determined to be healthy, she introduced her family to vitamins, brewer’s yeast, and meditation in the 1970s, which was a bit “woo woo” compared to her peers. Many of Marilyn’s successes resulted from her talent combined with a belief in the power of the subconscious. Shortly after learning to play golf, Marilyn won the country club championship, a miracle she attributed to the power of creative visualization. Her athleticism helped too! Marilyn won tennis championships and was the best batter and fielder in mother/son baseball games. She loved learning how to use the latest technology. She introduced her grandchildren to the iPhone; spent countless hours surfing the web to research a loved one’s medical issue; and exuberantly experimented with the newest, shiniest gadgets.

Marilyn was an entrepreneur with a talent for design and sales. While raising young children, she started a business taking children’s photos and selling beautiful books created in her basement dark room. At age 45, Marilyn got her real estate license and, after five years at Kanela & Co, she struck out on her own to start Marilyn Torbett Real Estate. Marilyn worked hard for 30 years, leading a successful small business that put her name on real estate signs throughout Nichols Hills. She helped many families find a home where they could flourish, employed many people, and earned a living that allowed her to do things she enjoyed, such as traveling with her family, improving her beautiful home, investing in rental properties, and showering her children and grandchildren with gifts.

All the while, Marilyn gave back to her community. Her service included reading applications for nomination to the military academies at the request of our Senator, serving on the Nichols Hills City Planning Commission, teaching English to Spanish speakers who the church asked her to help, founding an annual omelet fundraiser for the OKC Art Museum, and serving on a host of other boards, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior League, and the Symphony.

Marilyn was an amazing mother to Jennifer, John, and Maura. She fiercely protected and pushed them in ways that demonstrated her abiding love and served them well. Although maybe not in her personal best interest, Marilyn encouraged her children to apply to colleges far from home; engage in sports requiring miles of parental driving, hours spectating in the hot sun, and great expense; and embrace opportunities to expand their horizons. Even so, it was clear she thought her children’s greatest accomplishments were her beloved grandchildren - Kate, Michael, Claire, Blythe, and Lauren.

We will all miss the ornery twinkle in her eye, the somewhat chaotic holiday gatherings in her warm home, and her willingness to show up whenever we needed her. We will remember Marilyn each time we make her Thanksgiving stuffing or travel long distances to help a loved one with a move, new baby, or other milestone.

Marilyn lived her beautiful life with gratitude, faith, and a sense of humor. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to show up with a happy heart. She laughed a lot with her family, her exercise buddies, the “champagne sisters,” and her work friends. At her core, Marilyn was kind, inclusive, and accepting, and she insisted that her children be as well. She enjoyed being a Scripture reader at mass, said rosaries for family and friends, and frequently called on St. Anthony and St. Joseph to help her find a lost item or sell real estate. Mainly, she believed that if you were grateful for what you had been given, you would be blessed with abundance.

Marilyn was afflicted with dementia during her final years. Even as this strong, capable woman slipped away, she continued to smile and laugh. Marilyn’s incredible team of caregivers (a/k/a Marilyn’s Angels) gave her the best possible quality of life. Thank you to Thelma Jones, Tizita Kemere, Becky Luera, Nitsuh Telore, Wanda Waters, and Fre Yeshitila.

Marilyn is survived by her three children: Jennifer Torbett Mosle (Jon), John Torbett (Shannon), and Maura Torbett Bradshaw (Jason); five grandchildren: Kate Mosle Bender (Keith), Michael Mosle (fiancé Emily), Claire Bradshaw, Blythe Bradshaw, and Lauren Torbett; and one great-grandchild: Eleanor Bender. She is also survived by her brothers Jerry Coffey (Dorothy) and Mike Coffey (Lynn), as well as 23 nieces and nephews and their families.

A funeral mass will be held on January 10, 2026, at 10 am at Christ the King Catholic Church (8005 Dorset in OKC) with a reception immediately following at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club (7000 NW Grand Blvd in OKC). In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in the name of Marilyn Torbett be made to Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Oklahoma City (www.catholiccharitiesok.org).