Marilyn P. Chance - Obituary

arilyn Phillips Chance, 81, a twenty-four-year resident of Annapolis, MD, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Marilyn was born on October 2, 1944, in Manchester, CT to the late Fred and Ruth Phillips. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a B.S. in Nursing before beginning her career as a nurse. She rose to become the head nurse at Manchester Hospital, where she met the love of her life—and her future husband—Tom Chance, who was her patient at the time. A devoted woman of God, Marilyn lived her faith daily. She was a long-time member of the Church of the Nazarene, where she sang in the choir, read the Bible cover to cover, led Bible studies in her home, and made sure the seniors in her community could always get to church by faithfully driving them herself. In her spare time, Marilyn enjoyed cheering on UConn basketball, visiting Martha’s Vineyard, volunteering with senior citizens, and laughing with her friends. Her life took her to several states—including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland—and wherever she went, she built lasting friendships. Known for being friendly, cheerful, and deeply caring, she cherished lifelong friendships, keeping in touch by letters and phone calls, and was a prolific letter writer who made sure no birthday ever passed without a thoughtful card in the mail. Her greatest joy was spending time with and loving her grandchildren, whose photos filled every square inch of her home. In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her brother, John Phillips. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Thomas F. Chance; her son, Stephen T. (Caroline Casagrande) Chance of Middletown, NJ; her grandsons, Harrison and Theodore Chance; and her granddaughter, Margot Chance. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Manchester, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marilyn’s memory to Stonecroft Ministries (online here). Marilyn will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her boundless kindness, and the joy she brought into the lives of all who knew her. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.