Marion and I were friends at GPHS, but I got to know her much better when we were at The University of Michigan together.
The Marion I knew was one of the kindest people I have ever known. When I learned of her death, I was shocked and very sad. Whenever I think of her it is with a great deal of warmth, and happy memories.
I will always miss her, and am sad that she won't be with us at our 50th.
In loving memory of a very wonderful and beautiful human being. Marion rang my doorbell at 761 Fisher road in 1955 just before the start of 7th Grade at Pierce Jr. High School. She had heard there was a new kid in the neighborbood, so she came over to say hello, as she lived on McKinley, one block over. There she stood in her madras Bermuda shorts, Peter Pan-collared blouse, mass of freckles, huge blue eyes, a mane of blonde hair in a DA, the front screen door between us, and said: "Hi. My name is Marion. Do you want to go to school together?" So we did just that-every day from 1955-1960, and long afterward at Central Michigan and New York City. Marion was the smartest, funniest, nicest girl and best friend a person could ever hope to have. She was doggedly loyal, and so hilarious that you just cry-laughed around her. She had that Irish gift for kindness and wit, but never had a mean spirit about anything. Many in our class may not know that Marion was a gifted writer and made a really great career out of this talent at New York Magazine and The Washington Post. I am pleased to report that her very first short story was composed written in her kitchen one Saturday afternoon while we were eating peanut butter and marshmallow sandwichs (her favorite) on really good bread from Hamlin's. The title was "Mayhem On Wheels", and it was about a bus being high-jacked. Seriously. In 1956, who ever heard of stuff like that-especially in our lovely little town? The girl was way ahead of her time intellectually, creatively, and just plain brain-thinking. Marion lived fully in her times - the 1960s onward - and captured the spirit and many deep layers of those times in her writing, living and friendships. We fell out of touch with my suburban life and her quite brilliant career. This I will always deeply regret. Marion touched my life forever. I am grateful every day that she was such a vital piece of my young and adult and present life. Her shocking and tragic death in 1977 stuns us to this day, but aren't you so glad we knew her?
You are remembered and loved, Marion Lynn. Rest well.
Susan Schroeder (Jarvis)
Marion and I were friends at GPHS, but I got to know her much better when we were at The University of Michigan together.The Marion I knew was one of the kindest people I have ever known. When I learned of her death, I was shocked and very sad. Whenever I think of her it is with a great deal of warmth, and happy memories.
I will always miss her, and am sad that she won't be with us at our 50th.
Susie Schroeder Jarvis
Barbara J. Linden (Mulholland)
Marion Lynn ClarkIn loving memory of a very wonderful and beautiful human being. Marion rang my doorbell at 761 Fisher road in 1955 just before the start of 7th Grade at Pierce Jr. High School. She had heard there was a new kid in the neighborbood, so she came over to say hello, as she lived on McKinley, one block over. There she stood in her madras Bermuda shorts, Peter Pan-collared blouse, mass of freckles, huge blue eyes, a mane of blonde hair in a DA, the front screen door between us, and said:
"Hi. My name is Marion. Do you want to go to school together?"
So we did just that-every day from 1955-1960, and long afterward at Central Michigan and New York City. Marion was the smartest, funniest, nicest girl and best friend a person could ever hope to have. She was doggedly loyal, and so hilarious that you just cry-laughed around her. She had that Irish gift for kindness and wit, but never had a mean spirit about anything.
Many in our class may not know that Marion was a gifted writer and made a really great career out of this talent at New York Magazine and The Washington Post. I am pleased to report that her very first short story was composed written in her kitchen one Saturday afternoon while we were eating peanut butter and marshmallow sandwichs (her favorite) on really good bread from Hamlin's. The title was "Mayhem On Wheels", and it was about a bus being high-jacked. Seriously. In 1956, who ever heard of stuff like that-especially in our lovely little town? The girl was way ahead of her time intellectually, creatively, and just plain brain-thinking. Marion lived fully in her times - the 1960s onward - and captured the spirit and many deep layers of those times in her writing, living and friendships.
We fell out of touch with my suburban life and her quite brilliant career. This I will always deeply regret. Marion touched my life forever. I am grateful every day that she was such a vital piece of my young and adult and present life. Her shocking and tragic death in 1977 stuns us to this day, but aren't you so glad we knew her?
You are remembered and loved, Marion Lynn. Rest well.