Obituary: Marilyn Emery, 88, of Pentwater

August 28, 2024

Marilyn Emery

Marilyn Frances Emery, 88, of Pentwater, passed away Friday, August 23, 2024, at home.  She was born February 10, 1936, in Ecorse, the daughter of Edmund and Catherine (Carroll) Yops.

Marilyn co-owned and operated Birdland Hardware and Variety Store in Pentwater, with her husband, Jerry, from 1969 until their retirement in 1995.  She was very involved and proud of her Pentwater community where she was awarded Citizen of the Year in 1995.  Marilyn was a member of the Pentwater Junior Women’s Club, and was known by many as the “Sandwich Guru.”  She was also an active member of St. Vincent Catholic Church, serving in the Altar Society.

In her spare time, Marilyn enjoyed gardening, flowers, watching sunsets, spending time at the beach and traveling.

Marilyn is survived by: her son, Gregory (Alison Swanderski) Emery; her daughter, Jane (Don) Rutledge; six grandchildren, Jill (Bryan) O’Guin, Kevin (Britney) Emery, Kyle Emery, Adam Emery, Nicholas Zimmerman and Gavin Swanderski; her great-granddaughter, Hadley Rose O’Guin; and several nieces and nephews.

On April 30, 1955, in Ecorse, Marilyn married Gerald Allan Emery who preceded her in death in 2021.  She was also preceded in death by: her son, Jeffrey John Emery in 2018; her brother, Thomas Yops; and her sisters, Carol Yops and Mary Jane Stich.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at St. Vincent Catholic Church, in Pentwater, with Father Phillip Sliwinski presiding.  Interment will follow in the Pentwater Township Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, September 2, 2024, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-hart Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent Catholic Church.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com