Marguerite (Arozian) Mahler

Her childhood was shared with her older brother, John, within a tightly knit community of Armenian immigrants, many of whom – including her father – had narrowly escaped the Armenian genocide and found their way to safety and prosperity in Detroit. Her Armenian heritage deeply affected her moral, social and political perspectives.

Her interest in the sciences led her to Cass Technical High School, the University of Michigan to obtain a BS degree in microbiology, and Difco Labs in Detroit to perform research. While at U of M, she resided at Martha Cook Hall and attended the campus Guild House, where she met her future husband of 64 years, William (Bill) Mahler. Bill grew up on a modest Illinois farm, attended U of M through the G.I. Bill, and washed dishes at Martha Cook. Marguerite and Bill were drawn together early on by their common theological interests and life outlook. They married in 1951 and raised three children – Marian (Bart Reiter), David (Valerie Nimtz), and Stephen (Brenda Conaway). After 20 years as a loving mother and homemaker to her children in Oak Park, Michigan, Marguerite transitioned to a new career after noticing an article in the Detroit Free Press about a program at Oakland University for the then-new paralegal profession. She pioneered the program and joined the Detroit-based Dickinson Wright law firm, where she excelled at labor litigation and worked with notable legal professionals. After retiring, her accomplishments received praise from Oakland University News, https://oakland.edu/oumagazine/news/pace/2019/ou-paralegal-grad-remembers-the-programs-early-days

Marguerite and Bill retired in 1988 and moved to East Lansing. They enjoyed annual trips to Elderhostel educational programs (often with their grandchildren), performances at the M.S.U. Wharton Center and programs at the Edgewood United Church. Marguerite found a new interest in basket-making and rediscovered old interests in gardening and playing piano. Marguerite was a long-term member of the Association of Michigan Basketmakers and co-founder of the Lansing area Mid-Mitten Basketmakers Guild; many of her baskets were recognized as exceptional examples of the craft and she frequently exhibited at group shows over several years. Later in her life, she took up swimming at the local YMCA with some of her closest friends.

Most of all, she doted on her beloved grandchildren, Hans and Lorna Mahler, Eva Reiter, and Coleman and Jesse Mahler. She now has four great-grandchildren – Preston Chirinos, Kenslee Mahler, Charlotte Mahler and Maggie Jansen. Her career path and interests changed over the course of her ninety-four years, but her deep love of family, friends and community were a constant. Marguerite’s warm demeanor and genuine care for the well-being of others will be remembered by all who knew her.

A memorial fund has been established at the Edgewood United Church, https://edgewooducc.org/give/online-giving/. Donations there will be welcome and also to the MSU 4-H Children’s Garden, https://mi4hfdtn.org/giving-to-4-h-childrens-gardens/cgdonation/.

A Celebration of Life with family and friends will be announced at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Mahler family.