Marie E. Thayer

Marie E. Thayer –Simpson (Kopp) died on June 13. It wasn’t sudden and it wasn’t unexpected. She simply was worn out. Marie was closing in on her 90th year. Born in Detroit on August 3, 1924, Marie was the daughter of successful business owners, Helen Mildred Johnson and George Oliver. As an only child, Marie spent much of her childhood on her Aunt Stella and Uncle Charlie Parker's Linden, Michigan farm. She learned to love nature, animals and the simpler things in life. As a young adolescent, she attended St. Mary's Academy in Monroe, Michigan, where she embraced the Catholic Church and the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Throughout her life she made reference to both of these experiences with great fondness. One of her teachers in particular, who had a profound effect on her character was Sr. Marcella. With a twinkle of affection, Marie often imitated her stern stare of disapproval, then she would reveal how much she loved Sr. Marcella. After World War II, Marie sang in a band, where she met her future husband (and fellow band mate), Stanley G. Thayer. They married in 1946, Stan and Marie worked hard to provide a better life for their three daughters: Gwen, Helen (Bobbi) and Vicki. In 1959, Stan ran and won a seat in the state Senate, serving from 1960 to 1964, followed by a successful career in politics. Marie was the driving force and the chief organizer behind each of Stan's political campaigns, hosting many social gatherings, which always included her signature piano playing of old favorites and newly created political jingles she would write, sing and share with her guests. Music was Marie’s constant companion and she had a lifetime love affair with classical music. She constantly whistled and was a talented pianist, playing any song by ear. On warm afternoons, Marie would open up her Glenwood Road home and let the music flow. Her daughters drew comfort and joy hearing her play. Along with her love of music, Marie was equally passionate about social causes. In 1962, Marie became increasingly involved with local civil rights issues, joining the NAACP and the Office of Economic Opportunity, and was placed on the Human Relations Commission. In 1971, Marie joined the Washtenaw County Foster Grandparents Program, where she served as Director for 10 years. In retirement, Marie traveled the country in her RV, visiting her daughters, grandchildren and her large network of friends and eventually married her long-time companion, best friend and love, Tennie Simpson (Tim). Marie will be remembered for many things and the many gifts she left for her community and her family. She was an advocate and an entertainer, creative and thoughtful, with a quick sense of humor and a contagious laugh. She was bold and beautiful, talented and tenacious, outspoken and even outrageous at times. She celebrated each day with laughter and a smile. She loved without fear and was loved by everyone. For the past 15 years, Dementia and Alzheimer’s slowly stole her memory but not her spirit. And while her constant whistle and joyful laugh are now silent, her presence remains. Marie is survived by her husband Tennie Simpson (Tim), three daughters: Gwen Marie Thayer-Handelman (John), Helen Mary “Bobbi” Kirtland (Richard) and Elizabeth Victoria “Vicki” Thayer, 4 step children: Janice Baldwin (Gilbert), Gregory Simpson (Sheilah), Cheryl Simpson, and SudhaSimpson, 6 Grandchildren, Samuel Imara Johnson (Siriporn), William Thayer Kirtland (Stephanie), Andrew Kirtland (Amy), Jennifer Marie Creighton (Sean), Thomas Byron Gillespie (Stefanie), Shawn Oliver Gillespie and 9 Great Grandchildren. A private celebration is to be held at Forest Hills Cemetery. Contributions on behalf of Marie and all others afflicted with Alzheimer’s may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, 564 South Main Street, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. A Celebration of Life, will be on Monday June 23, 2014, from 6pm to 9pm, at Arbor Meadows Clubhouse, 5229 W. Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti, MI.