Apalachin, NY / Hornell, NY
Marilyn E. Kanabroski – 76 – passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2026 at her daughter’s home in Hornell surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Caldwell, NJ on December 12, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Henry “Norman” and Gertrude “Trudy” Eriksen.
Marilyn and her sister Christine grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Caldwell High School. Shortly after graduation Marilyn and her family moved to Vestal, NY where she began working at Lum’s Restaurant, which was owned and operated by her parents, Norman & Trudy. She also served as a waitress at Red Lobster where, in 1984, she met Toni Montouri and Beth Rosenthal. Marilyn, Toni, & Beth became lifelong friends and confidants and were sometimes referred to as “The Toxic Trio” because of their close friendship. Toni and Beth became the constant in Marilyn’s life.
While working at Red Lobster, Marilyn decided to pursue a career in the medical field. She earned her degree in Respiratory Therapy in Binghamton and dedicated her life to caring for others as a Respiratory Therapist for 33 years. She served patients at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City and both Binghamton General and Lourdes Hospitals in Binghamton alongside her family friend and fellow respiratory therapist, Steve Brown. Marilyn was affectionately known as the “Blood Gas Queen” because of her exceptional skill and gentle hand when performing blood gas procedures – even coming in to lend a hand on her nights off. While working at Lourdes, Marilyn often flew on trauma flights for Guthrie hospital.
In addition to her hospital career, Marilyn served on the Apalachin Fire Department and Ambulance Squad as an EMT and firefighter for more than 25 years. She served on the Search and Rescue Team of Broome & Tioga Counties and was also a CPR instructor for many years.
For a time, Marilyn was part of the Rowing Team of Susquehanna. She also loved going on cruises and visited many countries while cruising with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her favorite trip after the death of her husband was the Alaskan cruise with her grandson Robbie. She also enjoyed the Bermuda cruise with her daughter, Jennifer, and the cruise to the Bahamas with her daughter, Denise and granddaughter, Vanessa. Marilyn also visited Israel for two weeks in the mid 2000s and always hoped to return.
On September 2, 1972, Marilyn married Robert “Bob” Kanabroski who passed peacefully on June 8, 2006. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Christine Kanabroski; mother- and father-in-law, Marie & Walter Kanabroski; and her dear friend, Margaret “Peggy” Hubbard.
Marilyn is survived by 2 daughters, Denise and Jennifer Kanabroski; her “favorite grandson,” Robert Carlton Steen and his wife Rachel Joy Steen and their infant son, Roman Carlton Steen of Charlotte, NC; her beautiful, beloved granddaughter with whom she adored, Vanessa Marie Bartlett of Hornell.
The family of Marilyn E. Kanabroski will receive friends on Augst 15, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home, 300 E Main Street, Endicott, NY where a memorial service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 12:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to share a memory of Marilyn during this time. Final interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Marshland Road, Apalachin. A catered meal will immediately follow.
Local arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.