Sept. 15, 1942 — Nov. 15, 2014

Marilyn’s life began on Sept. 15, 1942, in St. Joseph, Michigan. She was the daughter of Robert and Margret (Shane) Nelson and a 1960 graduate of Dowagiac Union High School.

Marilyn held various jobs throughout her life; however, her true passion was real estate. She began her real estate career as a realtor with Matthews Real Estate in 1985 and also spent 21 years with Cressy & Everett Real Estate in Dowagiac. Marilyn built her career on helping her clients achieve their dreams of becoming homeowners. She received numerous awards and recognition throughout her career.

Marilyn, 72, of Dowagiac, loved her family, poetry and making wonderful memories with her close friends. She was most proud of her daughter, Shelly, who meant the world to her and who followed in her Mom’s footsteps as an accomplished realtor. Marilyn never knew a “stranger.” she had a knack for starting a conversation with anyone and then selling them a house by the end of it. Marilyn also relished the many hours she spent with her granddaughters, Haley and Emily.

Marilyn’s loving family includes Shelly (Bryan) Myers-Henry of Dowagiac; two grandchildren, Haley Kay Henry (6) and Emily Lynn Henry (5); one sister, Diana (Steve) Ausra of St. Joseph, Michigan; two brothers, Robert (Linda) Nelson of Dowagiac, Michigan and David Nelson of Battle Creek MI. Marilyn’s nieces include Beth (Jim) Frost, Marcy (Sean) Tinkey and her nephews include Bob (Lupe) Nelson, Bill (Tina) Nelson, Nathan Weller and Marc (Lori) Weller. She has many great nieces and nephews including, Jeffrey, Ashley, Nicholas, Mara, Matthew, Jake, Griffin, Molly, Henry, Cole, and Maggie.

Marilyn attended Michiana Church of Christ and her family requests that any memorial donations be directed there to their building fund.

Marilyn passed away at home on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014. She is preceded in death by her parents, best friend, Ruthie Baker, and other beloved friends.

The family will gather together with friends at a visitation scheduled this Friday, Nov. 21 at 12 p.m. at Clark Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes, Dowagiac, MI, with a service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Marilyn’s family will then host a celebration of her life at the Lions Club immediately following the service.

In Marilyn’s own words: “Before you go out on your way, I just want to take this time to say, that with each and every passing day, I love you more than yesterday.”