Marilee Sartori

A Colorful Life of Grace, Strength and Class

With hearts full of love we announce that Marilee Ann Sartori, 84 of Beaufort, South Carolina departed this life on Monday, September 28, 2026 after a long illness. Marilee was a force of nature. She approached the events of her life with admirable strength and grace. Her enduring attitude of gratitude made the world a brighter place. Marilee is remembered as a loving wife, dedicated mother and mother-in-law, and loyal friend to so many people. She is an inspiration for all of us.

Marilee was born in Paducah, Kentucky in 1942 and was adopted by Paul & Nell Bynum. She went to college at Webster College in St. Louis and met Donald Sartori on a blind date. According to Donald, “It didn’t go well”. They married 2 years later and Donald joined the Navy. They moved many times and ultimately raised 2 children in rural Pennsylvania where they spent 40 years restoring their 18th century stone farmhouse. Marilee returned to college and proudly completed her degree in Business Administration in 1985. Marilee & Don were fortunate to travel extensively and experienced the world together, traveling to countless countries. They retired to Beaufort, South Carolina full time in 2017 where they spent their remaining years together.

Marilee was very creative and had great style. She loved the color pink and was often seen wrapped in a pink feather boa. She was an avid collector of Lilly Pulitzer colorful prints in all styles. Marilee began painting as a hobby in retirement and became an accomplished artist. She was a member of the Beaufort Art Association and her work hangs in many homes in the area.

Marilee is survived by her loving husband Donald of 63 years, daughter Suzanne and son-in-law David, son Joseph and daughter-in-law Chryl, and Goddaughter Isabella.

Our family thanks the Beaufort community for their unwavering support. We are especially grateful to Marilee’s caregivers who took outstanding care of her needs over the last 2 years. She loved all of you like her own family.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 10am at St Peter’s Catholic Church at 70 Lady’s Island Dr, Beaufort, SC with entombment at 1pm at the National Cemetery 1601 Boundary St, Beaufort, SC.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Marilee to the Alzheimer’s Family Services of Greater Beaufort (AFSGB), P.O. Box 1514, Beaufort, SC 29901.

“Look both ways. You are precious cargo.”