With profound sadness and overflowing love, the family of Marilyn Lynn announces her passing on March 19th, 2025. She was born Marilyn Rose Erickson, in North Muskegon, MI, on January 5th, 1938, to Rose (Margaret Flahive) and Kenneth (Iver) Erickson. Marilyn was a warm, vibrant, strong, and compassionate woman, who leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness.
Marilyn was an educator to her core. After graduating from North Muskegon High School and the University of Michigan, she served as a school teacher in both Michigan and Vermont, before refocusing her talents on nurturing the hearts and minds of her three children. Later in life, Marilyn returned to the pursuit of education, earning a Master’s degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University. She became a counselor at the Holland Alternative Education High School, where she provided support and guidance for young adults. She was a tireless advocate for her students, she ensured they had the resources to feel empowered and to achieve their goals.
Marilyn was actively involved in the Holland community. She was a long-standing member of First Presbyterian Church, where she was a Deacon and Elder, and worked with the Refugee Resettlement program. She was a founding member of, and helped launch, Lake Michigan Academy, a school for students with learning differences. She passionately championed Resilience (formerly Women in Transition) volunteered for hospice, and was devoted to Hope College’s basketball program. Marilyn was an established member of HASP, the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program. She also participated in Holland’s annual Tulip Time celebration as a Windmill Island Tour Guide, and even Dutch Dancing well into her 60s.
Marilyn fell in love and married her husband of 22 years on November 30th, 2002. Together they cared for and enriched the lives of their collective families. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, her home was always welcoming, comfortable, and inclusive. She was gracious, altruistic, and possessed an intrinsic ability to sustain an unwavering faith that everything, no matter what, would be all right in the end.
Marilyn loved adventures, whether it was traveling with friends or creating make-believe worlds with her children and grandchildren. She loved bike rides, the beach, laughing out loud, clowns, and the magic of Christmas. She had a soft spot for Captain Sundae’s Tommy Turtles, Rice Krispies treats, and seven-layer salad. She loved large family gatherings, spontaneity, learning new things, reading, and watching the deer from her deck. Her love for her family was fierce and she delighted in helping and supporting them, in whatever way they needed.
Marilyn is lovingly remembered by her husband, Larry, and her children, Jessie Cassidy, Tad DeLong, and Michael DeLong. Larry’s children Lori Lynn and Marcus Lynn [Jennifer]. Larry’s grandchildren, Lauren Ward [Mitch] (Rose and Leona), Kaitlin Lilly (Meadow Kelly and Lucchese Kelly), Levi Savusa-Lilly [Michael], Reagan Doucette [Brandon], Micah Lynn, and Aiden Lynn [Lauren] (Riley and Stevie). Marilyn’s sister, Marguerite Winter [Ken].
We will celebrate Marilyn’s life at First Presbyterian Church, 659 State Street, Holland, MI 49423 at 11am on Saturday, April 12th. A luncheon will follow the service. Visitation will also be held at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, April 11th, between 4pm and 6pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn’s name may be made to Resilience (formerly Women in Transition) 411 Butternut Drive, Holland, MI 49424. (https://resiliencemi.org/donate/)
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