Obituary of Marilyn M. Eastman

Of Pittsburgh, formerly of Iowa and Florida passed peacefully in her sleep on Sunday August 22nd, age 87 in Tampa, Florida. Beloved mother of John and Michael Eastman, daughter of the late Helen and Verne Johnson. Sister of Roxy Johnson. Grandmother of John T. Eastman, Diana McCarthy, Mike Eastman Jr, Matthew Eastman and Mia Eastman. Great Grandmother of Dawson, Sawyer, Ellie, Emma, Bailey, Luke, Gemma and Riley. Aunt of Jennifer Hart. Also survived by her friend and caregiver Angela Gibron and Macho, her terrier companion. Marilyn was an accomplished actress, writer and producer in a variety of mediums and settings. Best known for her iconic role as Helen Cooper in “Night of the Living Dead” she also appeared in several other films. Her love of performing started in Davenport Iowa at an early age when at 15 she got several modeling jobs as well as joining a local theater group. She later joined WJHP TV in Jacksonville Florida as a copywriter and then joined Hardman Associates in Pittsburgh in the early 60’s and called it her “dream job” She became business and life partner with Karl Hardman until his passing in 2007. She was a true dog lover. She will also be interred with the ashes of her mother, Helen Johnson. She enthusiastically embraced the attention and affection shown to her by NOLD fans around the world. She enjoyed making personal appearances at conventions and signing autographs for NOLD fans. Friends and General public received on Tuesday 8/31 between 2-4 and 6-8pm at McCabe Brothers Funeral Home at 6214 Walnut Street Pittsburgh, Pa 15206. Private ceremony for family and close friends on the following day. Condolences may be left at www.mccabebrothers.com