Marilyn Mager
ISHPEMING, MI- Marilyn Jean Mager, 88, longtime Ishpeming resident, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, October 6, 2024 at Marquette County Medical Care Facility with her loving family at her side, and under the wonderful care of nursing home staff and Lake Superior Hospice.
Marilyn was born September 25, 1936 in Ishpeming to Wilfred and Betty Ayotte, attended Ishpeming Public Schools, and was a lifelong area resident. Marilyn was never employed outside the home, but worked tirelessly as a loving and devoted homemaker to her husband and four children.
Mrs. Mager was a devout member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Ishpeming. Her love for the Lord was unwavering. She always carried a rosary with her and had one in every purse that she owned. She made sure to pray multiple times every day, usually praying for the well-being of others. Marilyn was also willing to volunteer at the Parish whenever needed.
In her spare time, you could usually find Marilyn doing word searches or reading a good book. She was an avid Green Bay Packers fan who you could guarantee to find decked out in her Packer attire from earings to socks. Marilyn’s pride and joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved them more than anything and they lit up her life. If you ever visited her at the apartment it wouldn’t take long to realize that as her walls were covered with pictures of them all.
Surviving are her two sons, Lloyd (Diane) Mager of Roberts Creek, British Columbia, and Russell (Janet) Mager of Ishpeming; two daughters, Robin (Steve) Liquia of Gwinn and Donna (Todd Gervae) Larson of Negaunee; seven grandchildren: Kacey (Mo Gardner) LaLonde, Krystle (Aaron) Davies, Robert (Rachael) Mager, Kristopher (Alyssia) Mager, Leo (Samantha Nankervis) Field, II, Amber Gibson, and Eric Larson; 13 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Judy (Dan) Racine and Susan (Rodney) Scott; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Russell ‘Rusty’ Mager in 1993.
Marilyn’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Marquette County Medical Care Facility for their wonderful job taking care of Marilyn during the last several months. Also, the care that the staff from Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice provided during her last days with us. The support, compassion and care all of the staff from both places showed to our family did not go unnoticed and it is very much appreciated.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 11th at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Ishpeming, with Rev. Larry Van Damme officiating. Interment will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends for one hour prior to Mass at the church on Friday.
Mrs. Mager’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.