Marilyn (Nymberg) Parko was born on September 29, 1936, to parents Raymond John and Mary Irene Nymberg, in Detroit, Michigan. Marilyn passed away peacefully at home in Livonia, Michigan, surrounded by her family, on October 10, 2023, at the age of 87. She was the beloved wife of 60 years to the late Donald R. Parko. She is survived by loving children: Nancy (Kevin) Schultz, Jeffrey Parko, and Susan (JP) Price, cherished grandchildren: Bailey John and Chloe Marie Schultz, and dear sister: Patricia Windham. Marilyn is also survived by several cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Nymberg Jr., and sister, Ann Winn.
Marilyn was a loving and beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Her highest priorities were her family, friends, and Catholic faith. She graduated from Mackenzie High School in Detroit and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Michigan State University. She taught kindergarten for a couple of years, and in 1959, Marilyn married the love of her life, Don. Together they raised their children in Livonia, Michigan and made many great memories and established wonderful traditions. Marilyn was a devoted mother, encouraging and supporting her children in pursuing their education and passions. She returned to work in the late 1970s, retiring from the banking industry as an assistant manager in 2000. Marilyn was very active in her parish of St. Edith Catholic Church, since joining in 1969. She was always willing to serve and enjoyed being a church sacristan and eucharistic minister for many years. Marilyn was an officer of the Red Hat Society, which was a group that was formed with her many friends from Mackenzie High School.
Marilyn was such a gifted, talented artist. Her artwork took many forms, especially painting, from freeform painting of Christmas scenes on her childhood homes’ fireplace mirror to dozens of porcelain dolls, beautiful keepsakes, and family heirlooms. Marilyn loved the Christmas season and delighted in baking cookies with her grandchildren, trimming the tree, and displaying a magical Christmas village. She also enjoyed many hobbies, including reading, puzzle making, collecting, attending art fairs, DSO concerts, theatre productions, sporting events, and traveling. Marilyn was blessed by a special group of lifelong friends who she dearly cherished. The most wonderful times she spent with her family and friends included trips to Europe, Africa, Australia, Alaska, Hawaii, and northern Michigan. Marilyn will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Marilyn’s family and friends will gather Monday, October 16, 2023, from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152, with a rosary service at 7:00 pm. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 11:00 am (10:30 am gathering) at St. Edith Catholic Church, 15089 Newburgh Road, Livonia, Michigan 48154. Fr. Jim McNulty will serve as presider. Following the Mass, a prayer service will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (East Chapel), 25800 W. Ten Mile Road, Southfield, Michigan 48033. Family and friends are invited to join the family for a luncheon at St. Edith Catholic Church.
Those wishing to make a memorial gift in honor of Marilyn’s life are invited to direct their gift to Angela Hospice of Livonia or St. Edith Catholic Church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Parko family.
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