Marilyn Banish

Beloved wife of the late Dr. Gerald Banish for 36 years. Loving mother of Linda Banish, Julie (Mike) Harris, James (Julie) Banish, Mark (Sandi) Banish, and Jennifer Patterson. Dear grandmother of the late Shaun Frasher, Zack Frasher, Lindsay Frasher, Nicholas Harris, Matthew Harris, Jenna Haller, Jimmy Banish, Jillian Jensen, Malorie Banish, Reid Banish, Miller Patterson, Jason Patterson, and Mckenna Revill. Proud great-grandmother of 13. Dearest sister of Barbara (Ken) Kraning and Robert (Dolly) Zimmerman. Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Gertrude Zimmerman.

Marilyn had a lifelong love for the outdoors and found great joy residing at her home on Portage Lake, where she spent countless summers sailing, boating up the Chain of Lakes and creating lasting memories with friends and family. Many evenings at the lake included dancing on the deck with her tambourine and the annual Firework parties were legendary.

Among other interests Marilyn enjoyed were snow skiing, tennis, gardening, and she had a particular fondness for the beautiful lighthouses throughout Michigan and the rest of our great country.

Her culinary skills were legendary to everyone she knew, as she delighted in preparing delicious meals and desserts for her loved ones, filling her home with the comforting smells of home-cooked dishes.

Marilyn was also a gifted artist, creating stunning pieces of stained glass that captured and reflected light in the most beautiful ways. Her art was a testament to her patience, precision, and eye for beauty.

A passionate supporter of college athletics, Marilyn was a proud fan of Michigan State. Her enthusiasm for every game was infectious, and she never missed an opportunity to cheer on her beloved Spartans.

During her professional career Marilyn served several years at both the Hospice of S.E Michigan and Oakpointe Country Club.

Marilyn's warm heart, quick wit and generous spirit will be dearly missed. No formal service will be held at this time. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Angela Hospice at angelahospice.org.

May she rest in peace, forever sailing in tranquil waters and shining through every piece of stained glass she lovingly created.