Marilyn Ann Cook (Martin) was welcomed home by her loving parents, John and Viola Martin (Gentz), and husband, Michael B. Cook, on Friday, December 27th.
Marilyn was born in Frasier but lived for nearly 60 years in Allegan. She was a member of First Congregational Church where she taught Sunday School, led the youth group, sang in the choir and served on many church boards. She was also a long-time volunteer at the Congregational Kitchen, which provides free meals for the needy.
Marilyn was very active in her community; the City of Allegan honored her with a day named for her. She was a member of the Allegan Community Players where she was a board member, director, lighting and sound technician, and actress. Her most memorable roles were Martha Brewster in “Arsenic and Old Lace” and Bloody Mary in “South Pacific.” Marilyn was also a member of The Lioness Club, and a volunteer at Allegan General Hospital.
Marilyn was the longtime director of the Miss Allegan Scholarship Pageant, was a regular cast member in Cabaret and directed local children’s theater. Marilyn also performed with the Sweet Adelines and toured with Sing Out Kalamazoo as the lighting technician.
Marilyn retired from the U.S. Postal Service, where she was the first full-time female rural carrier. She loved to travel, laugh, joke, and play Bunco with her friends. Marilyn’s personality was joyful, gregarious, and goofy. To know her was to laugh with her. She lived her life to the fullest and was adored by her friends and family members.
Marilyn is survived by her four children, Michael J. Cook, Leisa Vollink (Gerald), Sarah Conolly (Paul) and Amanda Cook Fesperman (Jeff); six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A celebration of her amazing life will be Friday, Jan. 3, at 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church in Allegan. Everyone is welcome to attend, share memories of Marilyn, and to partake of a luncheon that will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, her family has asked that donations be made to the Congregational Kitchen at 323 Cutler St., Allegan, MI 49010.
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