I first met Marilyn in 1975 at a Thomson Holidays drinks do and was immediately struck by this vivacious and sparkling character with her trademark long black skinny ‘More’ cigarette. She was friendly and welcoming to a newbie who had just  started work at the PR arm of Y&R. Thomson was my client and we all worked together in that glorious building, Greater London House. It was the  start of a wonderful 45 year friendship.

Marilyn thrived in a male dominated industry and at a time when the ‘Mad Men’ ethos was still widely practiced. She wasn’t an active feminist but was among a group of women whose drive and strength of personality helped forge the revolution that was to come. 

Marilyn was a baby boomer and proudly displayed two key traits of that generation - being a rebel and a hedonist. She enjoyed life to the full and was more than happy to bend the rules to achieve that.

She was also a legend of the long lunch (often Greek) a practice that was once commonplace in the advertising and marketing business but has now sadly fallen out of favour. She and I spent many expenses paid hours solving the world’s and each other problems and having a laugh while downing copious gins, wine and brandies. Her capacity to drink and yet still function normally was awesome.

The phrase ‘joi de vivre’ was written with someone like her in mind. She had it by the bucket load. If she sounds like a party animal - she was. Yet there was so much more to her. Marilyn was highly intelligent with a great thirst for knowledge and new experiences. She was a university graduate at a time when it was the exception rather than the norm. She prospered in a very difficult and demanding business, had the gumption and courage to set up her own agency and successfully switched to a career in legal while bringing up two, also clever daughters.

I have the privilege of being Godfather to one of those girls, Olivia, and we were honored that Marilyn reciprocated by agreeing to be Godmother to our daughter, Lucy.

Although small in stature Marilyn had a mighty personality. She was a ‘force majeure’. Woe betide anyone who crossed her and if you wanted to argue make sure of your facts first. She could be merciless with those who had the temerity to take her on.

Marilyn was great fun and loved to laugh. It was no surprise therefore that she married Stephen, a lovely and very very funny and entertaining man. They have been blessed with a strong, loving and adventure filled marriage.

Marilyn was a great and special friend, far better than I. She would never let you stray far from her privileged and exclusive circle - inviting, reminding, congratulating, commiserating. She was always there and will be so sorely missed.

Ian Rumgay