Marilyn Fedewa

Throughout her life, Marilyn Fedewa was a fine and gracious woman who touched the hearts of many. Whether driving children by bus, serving at church or caring for others as a compassionate nurse, Marilyn graced the lives of others with her warm and caring nature along with her amazing creative and positive energy. She loved her family deeply, and savored the love of wonderful friends. Her beautiful and vibrant smile could light up a room, just as she will remain a treasured light in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

As the nation struggled through the worst year ever during the Great Depression, the U.S. jobless rate in 1933 touched over 15 million families. At the same time, great accomplishments were being made in the culture of America. FDR held his first “Fireside Chat” to boost the spirits of Americans while many looked to entertainment as a way of diverting their attention from financial struggle. Nestled near the farming community of Fowler, Michigan, Alfred, Sr. and Seraphine (Noeker) Halfmann had much to focus their attention on as they joyfully welcomed the birth of a baby girl they named Marilyn on May 7, 1933. Marilyn’s birth was a family affair. Born at home on their country homestead, her grandmother, a midwife, assisted with bringing her into the world.

The third of eventually seven children, Marilyn’s father was a hard working farmer who raised pigs and later dairy cows. He also worked at a local meat market for a time to offset struggling times. Her mother, a schoolteacher, soon remained at home to care for her growing family. Marilyn enjoyed a typical childhood for the times and found pleasure in shared adventures with her siblings. With baseball all the rage, Marilyn often listened to the games on the radio and then ran into the fields to fill the boys in on game details and action.

Marilyn excelled in her studies while attending the country school and was transferred into town to attend the Catholic school there. Raised Catholic, her family were devoted in their faith and a good Catholic education was important to her parents. Changing her name to Mary Jean, the school deemed Marilyn was not a good Catholic name. It was also while attending school there that Marilyn met Kate who went on to become her dearest friend for over 50 years. It was always Marilyn’s desire to become a nurse one day. Between her junior and senior years of high school, she moved to the St. Johns where she served as a nursing assistant at Clinton Memorial Hospital. She graduated from Fowler High School in 1951.

An exciting time for Marilyn, she and a few girlfriends ventured out on their own and moved to Lansing. Once there, Marilyn began working at Farm Bureau. Much more was in store for Marilyn’s future when she met a handsome young man named Donald Fedewa while attending a dance. The two began dating and before long found themselves in love. Just over a year and following her 21st birthday, they became husband and wife on May 22, 1954 in Fowler. They made their home in Lansing where Don began working at Fisher Body. Soon blessed with the birth of their daughter Judy in 1955, they purchased their first home in the small village of Eagle, Michigan near Lansing. As their family grew to include Donna, Jane, Roy and Neil, they eventually built a home in Fowler where many wonderful memories and great times were shared.

Marilyn loved her family deeply. They attended Most Holy Trinity Church where Marilyn gave of her time and many talents. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and she remained a devoted and dedicated Catholic throughout her life. She was also a member of the Christian Mothers group. Family time and togetherness was very important to her and was a trait she instilled in her children. They loved to play family games together and enjoyed working on puzzles. With her fun loving ways and quick wit, Marilyn enjoyed laughter and always wore a beautiful smile on her face. She taught her children to look on the brighter side of life and how to lighten up. Quite talented in the kitchen, Marilyn was a wonderful cook who enjoyed cooking for family and friends alike. With a love for long drives and seeing the sights, she and Don often visited relatives and friends on their excursions. They also enjoyed going out to eat on a regular basis.

Always a go-getter, Marilyn kept busy raising her family and making a good home. She balanced motherhood while writing a “Community News” column for the Clinton County News and in time began driving a school bus in Fowler to earn money to pursue her dream of nursing. Marilyn accomplished her lifelong goal and after graduating from nursing school, she began working at Sparrow Hospital, eventually retiring in 1990 from Clinton Memorial Hospital. It was then that Marilyn began taking a few art classes at Grand Ledge. Quite talented, she became an amazing artist. It brought her great contentment and she enjoyed expressing herself through her work. Retirement came early for Marilyn when she devoted herself to her beloved Don who became ill. Lovingly dedicated to him, Marilyn cared for him for 13 years until his death on May 26, 2003, just several days after their 49th anniversary. Although it proved to be difficult, Marilyn was a survivor. She always kept a smile on her face and her independent nature allowed her to continue on. She spent much time and energy working in her yard and loved gardening. She became a member of T.O.P.S. and continued with her art and serving at church.

With family as her greatest joy, Marilyn always looked for ways to get everyone together. She was the happiest enjoying their company. Outgoing and fun loving, she loved people, always greeting others with her beautiful and sincere smile. With quick wit, Marilyn never ceased to have a good joke or comment at the ready. She not only brought much laughter to the hearts of others, but she herself loved to laugh, and at just about everything. A positive woman, Marilyn continually looked on the bright side of life. As a friend to many, she never judged anyone and her gracious nature naturally drew others to her side. She was very thankful for her loving family and wonderful friends.

Marilyn Fedewa sadly passed away at the age of 76 on Friday, April 30, 2010. Although her ever present smile and warm embrace will be greatly missed, she leaves a legacy of love that will always remain in their hearts.

Marilyn is survived by her daughters: Judy (Claud) Rademacher, Donna (Jim) Bengel, and Jane Fedewa; her sons: Roy (Suzanne) Fedewa and Neil (Loretta) Fedewa; grandchildren: Sarah (Glenn) Simon, Jake (Kate) Rademacher, Curt (Jill) Rademacher, Nick (Thommie) Bengel, Kate Bengel, Jamison Fedewa, Benjamin Fedewa, Owen Fedewa, and Delaney Fedewa; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Ann (Larry) Pohl; her brothers: Alfred Halfmann, Charlie (Marilyn) Halfmann Bob (Donna) Halfmann and Jim (Carol) Halfmann; sister-in-law, Sharon Halfmann; many nieces and nephews; as well as her faithful dog and companion, Louie. In addition to her husband, Marilyn was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Halfmann and sisters-in-law, Joyce and Gladys Halfmann.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Marilyn will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 10:30 AM at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. Burial in Most Holy Trinity Cemetery following the Mass. Her family will receive friends on Sunday, 6-9 PM and on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the George Chapel, The Rosary will be prayed on Sunday, 8:00 PM and again Monday at 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Contributions may be made in Marilyn’s memory to Sparrow Hospice. Please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory, photo and to sign her online memory book.