Marilyn Ann Gruber

A faithfully caring daughter, staunchly loyal sister, captivatingly patient wife, tirelessly evolving mother, and utterly doting, cheerfully indulgent, and entirely devoted grandmother, Marilyn Gruber died on Sunday, April 19, after-would you believe it?-her heart gave out. Born in 1928 to Paul and Ellen Dwyer and brought home to Mark Twain St. in Detroit, Marilyn had three brothers-younger twins Patrick and the Hon. Paul (Joan), who survive, and older Dr. William (Bea), who doesn't. She attended St. Mary's of Redford through high school and graduated from the University of Detroit with a B.A. in English. In 1950 she married Walter H. Gruber, who still survives. Over the course of 64 years the couple lived and worked for short stints in Buffalo, New York, and Huntsville, Alabama, before settling down first in Oak Park, later in Detroit, and most recently, since 1997, in Lathrup Village. Marilyn worked raising three children-Mike (Kathi), Mary Jo (Dr. Bruce Cicone), and Janet (Dr. Bill Ventimiglia)-and then made a career of library work at Mercy High School in Farmington Hills and St. Bede's Grade School in Southfield. She took pride in helping 6 and 16 year olds alike to discover the joys of reading as well as the rewards of researching for information. She always had a way with words and a gift for self-expression. She absolutely "loved to pieces" her six granddaughters-Emily (Sean Keck), Caitlin, Anna, Sarah, Carly, and Dani. With them she truly lived to listen and encourage, never to judge or scold. In addition to keeping a lovely cozy home downstate, Marilyn brought her unique creative touch to a cabin in northern Michigan where she spent much time in virtually all seasons with Wally and family and whatever dog(s) might be in the household picture. In 1984, much to the surprise and delight of the rest of the family, Marilyn and Wally bought their first boat. This Chris Craft (as was each of its Chaparral successors) was their "beach retreat" and for many years they took great pleasure in inviting friends and family to cruise the waters of Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan, setting course for Leland, Beaver Island, the Cheneaux, the Inland Waterway, or wherever else their fancy moved them. Marilyn loved watching her granddaughters Up North-whether jumping off the stern swim platform and then basking in summer's sun or skiing and sledding in winter's snow. Marilyn had a weakness for potato chips (she could never eat just one), which might explain her penchant for doing stairs and walking vigorously and perpetually re-arranging furniture. And whoever held stock in pink lipstick made out like a bandit: Marilyn couldn't get enough of the stuff. Memorial visitation Saturday 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial Mass 11 a.m. at Our Mother of Perpetual Help (aka Fatima), Oak Park. In lieu of flowers, since Marilyn wished to be cremated, donations can be made in Marilyn's name to "Mercy High School" or "Our Mother of Perpetual Help-St. Vincent de Paul Society."

Marilyn Ann Gruber

May 8, 1928 - April 19, 2015