Marilyn Hey Webster

In memory of Marilyn Dee Hey Webster, known affectionately as M. Dee, a woman who left an indelible mark with her unwavering spirit, infectious smile, and vibrant personality.  Born on December 7. 1931, in Royal Oak, Michigan, Marilyn was the only child of Doris Hannah Taylor Hey and Milton Lewis Hey.

Marilyn's journey through life was a tapestry woven with the threads of education and exploration.  In her youth, her parents ignited Marilyn’s love of travel with trips to the family’s Canadian roots, to Texas and to Florida.

Her love of adventure took her to the Appalachian Trail and white water rafting.  Her love of travel continued throughout her life as she saw most of Europe, the United Kingdom, and Mexico on foot, car, boat, bike and train continuing well into her 80’s.  Marilyn immersed herself in diverse cultures and their many museums, relishing the times her children and grandchildren were able to join her abroad.

Marilyn grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan, attended Northwood Elementary and graduated from Royal Oak High School in 1949. Marilyn attended the University of Michigan, joined Alpha Phi Fraternity and earned her Bachelor's degree in English.  After graduation, she ventured to New York and worked at Bloomingdales until obtaining her Master’s degree in English from Columbia University.  After teaching English at Syosett High School, NY, and experiencing their colder winters, Marilyn headed to California to teach at Alameda High School while enjoying the excitement of living on Nob Hill in San Francisco.

Marilyn found her way back to Michigan to start a family and continued to teach in the classroom until her children were born.  The consummate teacher, Marilyn began in-home tutoring while her children were young.  She championed local causes trying seeking to a positive difference in the world. 

Later in life, at the age of 60, Marilyn restarted her teaching career.  She began again at Siena Heights College, followed that with teaching ESL classes at Southfield Adult Education, and finally at Oakland Community College where she created the curriculums for and taught Creative Writing and Poetry.  She found joy not only in traditional academic settings but Marilyn extended her reach by teaching a GED class for women at Southfield Jail.

Marilyn was both a teacher and a lifelong learner with myriad interests.  Beyond academics and her adventures, Marilyn embraced life with a zest for broadening her horizons.  She learned to play the piano, was a curious student of Spanish and math, a passionate bridge player, and an unapologetic Anglophile—she approached every endeavor with zeal including giving dinner parties, dressing the table with crystal, china and colors to match the occasion, and having games at hand for guests to enjoy.

She was the family's gin rummy champion - a title reflective of her competitive spirit and zest for life. 

She read voraciously, the Wall Street Journal always occupied the breakfast table; history and Greek & Roman Mythology books were in abundance.  Later in life til the end, Marilyn enjoyed connecting with family playing the Wall Street Journal puzzles, and the NYT Spelling Bee.  Whether at a party or conversing with friends and family, Marilyn’s keen intellect shone in lively conversations she so thoroughly enjoyed.

“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul”…Being an only child, Marilyn’s parents encouraged to choose her friends as siblings, advice she followed throughout life and evidenced by the strong bonds that tied them together until the end and left an indelible mark in their and her hearts.

Marilyn was a devoted member of the Birmingham Unitarian Church since 1969, and staunch supporter of the Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings. She also cherished the camaraderie shared with fellow members at The Village Club.

As cherished memories intertwine with sorrow at Marilyn's passing, we remember her proudest accomplishments: her devoted children and grandchildren.  Marilyn took her last breath in Gold River, California on January 27, 2024, surrounded by love, leaving behind Anne E. Webster Jacobs (daughter) & Christopher Jacobs (son-in-law), grandsons: Colin, Kyle & Alexander; Allison D. Webster-Giddings (daughter) & grandchildren: Samuel & Sydney; Peter H. Webster (son) & Penny Webster (daughter-in-law), grandchildren: Ethan & Glennie; James B. Webster (son) & his sweetheart, Verena Bücheler.  She also leaves behind her cousins Suzanne M. Taylor and John Hey.

She is predeceased by her parents, and her cousins whom she loved so dearly:  Betty Taylor Hall, Beverly Taylor Gray, Patricia Hemple Dietrich and Richard Taylor.

In closing this chapter on earth for Marilyn Dee Hey Webster, we celebrate a life well-lived and treasure the immeasurable impact she had on all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy will endure through the stories shared by those whose lives were enlightened by her presence.

_____________________________________________

A Celebration of Life will be in Michigan at a future date in July.

In lieu of flowers and if you are so inclined to make a donation in Marilyn’s Memory we suggest the Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings, Navy Seal Foundation or a charity of your choosing.