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Marilyn McDowell

August 2, 1927 - December 7, 2015
Vicksburg, MI

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Visitation

Saturday, December 12, 2015
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM EST
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Vicksburg Location
409 South Main Street
Vicksburg, MI 49097
(269) 649-1697
Driving Directions

Service

Saturday, December 12, 2015
11:30 AM EST
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Vicksburg Location
409 South Main Street
Vicksburg, MI 49097
(269) 649-1697
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Alamo Nursing Home
8290 W C Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 343-2587
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Heirloom Rose
407 S. Grand St.
Schoolcraft, MI 49087
(269) 679-3010
Driving Directions
Web Site

Polderman's Florist & Garden Center
8710 Portage Road
Portage, MI 49002
(269) 327-3656
Driving Directions

Life Story / Obituary


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With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Marilyn McDowell lived a vibrant life filled with the people and things she loved. She was strong, courageous, and independent, and she wasn't afraid to do things her own way. A more devoted mother would be hard to find, and she was so proud to witness her family tree blossom to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even one great-great-grandchild. A self-proclaimed flirt, Marilyn was the heartbeat of wherever she was. Although she will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever cherish.

It seems only fitting that Marilyn’s journey began during a time that was as vibrant as she was. It was the Roaring Twenties when innovation brought us things like radios, cars that were mass produced on assembly lines, and motion pictures in both color and sound. With so many transformational changes in the way Americans lived their everyday lives during the 1920s, it was primarily a prosperous time. Amidst this exciting time there was much to celebrate in the lives of William and Inez (Compton) Fair as they were pleased to announce the birth of the healthy baby girl they named Marilyn Joyce on August 2, 1927. She was one of six children to be born and raised in Vicksburg, Michigan, in their family home.

All who knew Marilyn would agree that she was always a bustle of activity. Her earliest days in the workforce were spent at a paper mill, but she later worked as a waitress at Wee Diner, at the laundry mat, and finally at the Vicksburg Commercial Express. When at home, Marilyn loved being out in her garden, and she also regularly tried her luck with the lotto, particularly with the scratch-off tickets. She loved playing things like Bingo and Bunco, and for as long as she was able to enjoyed getting out to go bowling. When looking to relax but still be doing something, Marilyn liked to keep busy crocheting. She enjoyed a wide variety of food, but she never could get enough of McDonald’s sausage on a hamburger bun! A huge NASCAR fan, Marilyn loved cheering on her favorite driver, Jeff Gordon. When it came to her choice in music, she loved classic country and music from some country music legends like Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, and George Jones. Even when living in assisted living in Schoolcraft, Marilyn enjoyed being part of various activities. As someone who loved all holidays, she liked helping them set up their holiday decorations. Of all the holidays, Easter may have been Marilyn’s favorite. For the past two years, she lived at the Alamo Nursing Home where her mind became more clouded with dementia.

First and foremost in her life was always Marilyn’s family. She was blessed with the births of five children including Richard, Sheila, Terry and twins Lisa and Laurie. Later in life she was over the moon excited that her family grew to include 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Described as sassy, feisty, determined, and even a bit stubborn at times, Marilyn McDowell made life so much fun. She was a true extrovert who loved meeting new people and even flirting with every man she met! A loving mother, Marilyn treasured every moment she spent with her family. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Marilyn J. McDowell, of Vicksburg, died on Monday, December 7, 2015. Marilyn’s family includes her five children: Richard (Judy) Chesser, Sheila (Benjamin) Dubbeld, Terry (Ava) McDowell, Lisa (Mike Smith) Harris-Smith and Laurie Maxam; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and her two siblings: Lillian Clifton and Bill Fair. Marilyn was preceded in death by her siblings: George Fair, Dick Fair, and Lucille Crouch.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 12th at 11:30 a.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial of her ashes will take place at Vicksburg Cemetery. Please visit Marilyn’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her guestbook and share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make a contribution to the Alamo Nursing Home.

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