Marilyn R. Lightner

Marilyn Reed Lightner was called up to be an angel on Friday, October 3rd, one week after her 90th birthday. She was born in Rochester, NY to parents Lester & Jayne (Barrick) Reed, grew up in Pittsburgh’s South Hills where she married high school sweetheart Don Boening and raised daughters Joni Boening (Randy) McCann and Leslie (Boening) Halon. They divorced after 21 years and she began her career in Real Estate which included roles as a sales agent, broker, office manager, then motivational speaker internationally for the National Association of Realtors. Marilyn met and married M. William Lightner Jr., the love of her life for over 30 years, and her family expanded to include Bill’s children Leslie Lightner, David (Maria) Lightner, Marc Lightner. Bill’s career took them to St. Louis, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Tampa; finally retiring in Bonita Springs until his passing in 2009. She made many lifelong friends across the bridge table in each city and became a Gold Life Master at the Bonita Bridge Club. Marilyn’s big passions were family, church, bridge and paying it forward. Gram will be missed by grandchildren Marlie McCann (Dan) Filipek, Brandon (Reneé) McCann, Elisa Halon (Jeff) Hagen, Ashley Halon (Scott) Maiberger, Kayleigh and Max Lightner. Great Gram leaves behind 9 great-grands: Kylie, Adelyn & Penelope McCann, Cooper & Quinn Filipek, Hendrik & Willem Hagen, and Olivia & Max Maiberger. Marilyn & Bill were long-standing members of the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs where she served as usher, deacon, elder and memorial donor of The Lightner Conference Room. She is a benefactor of Artis Naples, Gulfshore Playhouse, Café of Life; funds scholarships for Grove City College and FGCU; former Board member of Pelican’s Nest Golf Club and Arts Bonita. A memorial service, officiated by Dr. Doug Pratt, will be held on Saturday, November 15th, 2025 at the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Resurrection Garden of First Presbyterian Church, Arts Bonita, or Café of Life in Bonita Springs. To sign her guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.

Marilyn R. Lightner

September 26, 1935 - October 3, 2025