Marilyn K. Popyk

Marilyn Kay Popyk In an era when women were not encouraged to attend college, Marilyn Popyk worked her way through Wayne State University to ultimately obtain both a B.S. and a Master's in Education. She subsequently became educator, advisor, mentor, and sometimes mother to thousands of students. Marilyn was born and grew up in River Rouge, Michigan and excelled, at an early age, both academically and athletically. She was a 1963 graduate of River Rouge High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council President, captain of the Aquateens swim team and a cheerleader for their 1963 state championship basketball team. Her academic excellence continued at Wayne State University and upon graduation she began her teaching career at Warren Fitzgerald High School. Marilyn quickly moved on to serve as Director and Instructor of Word Processing Programs at Henry Ford Community College. She also served as Educational Consultant for the State of Michigan Secondary Division, Vocational Department. Many valued friendships developed throughout her career and remained with her through retirement. In the mid-80s Marilyn received a grant from McGraw Hill Publishing to write one of the first books on word processing. Her first book "Up and Running," published in 1987, became the 5th best seller for McGraw Hill at that time. She eventually authored several other textbooks on word processing and computer information systems. She traveled the United States as a promotional speaker, lecturing on "technological trends in today's office." The story is told her publisher advised her to author her textbooks as "M. Popyk," so that it would not be apparent the books were written by a woman. Ultimately, the textbooks were authored by "Marilyn K. Popyk." While maintaining a busy career, Marilyn kept family close to her heart. Marilyn's home was remodeled to make room for her beloved mother, Rose, who lived there until her death in 1999. Marilyn enjoyed buying books and educational toys for her great-nephews Tyler and Benjamin and always took an interest in their achievements in school and in sports. An impeccable seamstress, she created personalized pillowcases for friends and made numerous deliveries of these designer pillowcases to both adult and child cancer patients at various hospitals. After retiring from Henry Ford Community College, Marilyn married the love of her life, Ronald Cantin. For more than twenty years, they danced, skied, skated, and traveled their way through retirement. Many hours were also spent tending their magnificent backyard butterfly and bird sanctuary, as well as volunteer hours spent tending a garden dedicated to her mother, Rose, at the Detroit Zoo. Caring, vivacious, ever the consummate hostess, Marilyn leaves us better for having known her. She is survived by her loving husband, Ron Cantin, brothers Walter (Judith) Popyk and Marvin (the late Barbara) Popyk, nephew Marvin (Anne) Popyk Jr., and great-nephews Tyler and Benjamin. Visitation Monday 2-8 pm with Panaheda Service 7 pm. Funeral Tuesday, 11 am at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd. (4 blks. E. of Woodward), Royal Oak. Memorial contributions may be made to Henry Ford College Foundation: 5101 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128. Online access "give to HFC" at . Telephone access at 313-317-6836. Please indicate "in memory of Marilyn K. Popyk." Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.

Marilyn K. Popyk

March 25, 1945 - July 3, 2023