Marilyn Wolper
March 25, 1929-Jan. 16, 2026
San Mateo, California

Born in San Francisco to Sallie and Ralph Wonderman, Marilyn Wolper grew up in San Mateo. A talented performer, crowned May Queen at age five, she studied singing and dancing, and performed semi-professionally throughout young adulthood. After graduating from San Mateo High School, she worked as a stenographer and attended San Mateo Junior College. In 1949, she married Boris, the love of her life. The couple moved to San Carlos, where they brought up their daughters, Julie Brenner (Ellis) and Andrea Wolper (Ken Filiano). Marilyn was a school room mother, Girl Scout troop leader, and an avid reader. At Peninsula Temple Beth El she organized a play-reading performance group and co-wrote and -directed youth group shows, and she taught after-school theatre classes at Baywood Elementary. A political volunteer, she was an outspoken advocate for women's rights and against racial segregation, and cared deeply about poverty and animal cruelty. Boris was a commercial real estate broker, and when Marilyn earned her agent’s license, they formed their own company. They moved to Woodside Hills and pursued their many interests, including embracing their roles as devoted fun grandparents of Sharon Brenner (Justin Nijm) and Elliott Brenner (Lauren Evans). Marilyn and Boris loved traveling, tennis, dining out, attending theatre and concerts, hosting family gatherings, and entertaining an ever-widening circle, cherishing old friendships and welcoming new ones. Marilyn was the consummate hostess who made sure everyone always felt warmly welcomed. Founding supporters of Music@Menlo, the couple supported and attended the chamber music festival for the remainder of their lives. Marilyn continued singing, and had a gift for rewriting lyrics to lovingly roast friends on special occasions. A few years after Boris passed, Marilyn moved to The Peninsula Regent, where she was known for her stylishness, sense of humor, and enjoyment of a very dry Kettle One martini. Her family extends their gratitude to Lydia and Marilyn’s other caregivers, The Key staff, The Peninsula Regent Assisted Living and general staff, and Pathways Hospice. Those wishing to make donations in Marilyn’s memory may consider Second Harvest Food Bank and Music@Menlo.