Marilyn Elaine (Burley) Down passed away on 7/28/22 at Vista Springs Timber Ridge in East Lansing, MI at the age of 97. She was pre-deceased by her husband, William Jack Down, grandson Earl Down and beloved sister Lois Hudson. She is survived by her three children, Elaine L. Angstman, Eugene T. Down and Evan J. Down, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two nieces.
Marilyn was born to Leah L. (Caswell) Burley and George A. Burley on October 10, 1924 in Flint, MI. She moved to East Lansing in 1928 where she lived most of her life. She graduated from ELHS in 1942, got her BA from MSU in 1946 and an MA in Education from MSU in 1959. She spent her career teaching art, history and English in Dewitt, Webberville, American Samoa, Japan, Bolivia, Ingham County Jail but mostly in Lansing at Walter French Junior High. She was a lifelong member of Peoples Church in East Lansing, an artist, an author, an illustrator, a world traveler, and a wonderful mother.
Marilyn was married to Jack for 64 years. They met in high school, went to MSU together and were married upon their graduation. They traveled extensively, living in various locations throughout the world.
A private memorial service will be held later this year at Peoples Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her daughter’s charity for a senior citizen center in a slum area in Lima, Peru. Checks can be made out to Elaine Angstman and sent to 2506 N. Hamilton Rd., Unit 10, Branch, MI 49402.
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