Marcia Sue Gilchrist

Marci Gilchrist, (July 3, 1954-May 21, 2016) passed away peacefully surrounded by her family following a courageous battle with lung cancer. A loving wife, mother, daughter, and sibling, Marci was a true blessing to all those she encountered. A former teacher, she spent her life devoted to others. In 1977 she married Brian Gilchrist, and the union of 39 years would produce two sons, Thomas and Patrick. Marci “retired” from teaching in 1988 to raise her children, and promptly became more busy shuttling kids between hockey practices, music lessons, and youth group activities. She took up leadership positions in whatever she was was apart of, organizing book fairs, running the neighborhood association, helping out the hockey team, and working with the youth group. For many around her, Marci was the go-to person because of her heart, her organization, and her intelligence.

Marci had a beautiful voice, and sang soprano in the First United Methodist Church--Ann Arbor Chancel Choir. She could also be found in such Gilbert and Sullivan productions as The Mikado and The Gondoliers. An avid Chancel Bells ringer, Marci shared her musical talents to bring joy to others.

Last year, Marci enjoyed the adventure of a lifetime--rafting down the Colorado River with her husband and brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Mary Gilchrist. Marci’s legacy of love and humanity is preserved by her husband, her two children, her daughter-in-law Diana, her mother, Betty Duff, of Cedar Rapids, IA, her extended family, and countless friends.

A visitation is to be held at Muehlig Funeral Chapel in Ann Arbor on Thursday, May 26th from 4:00-8:00 pm, and a Memorial Service will take place at FUMC Ann Arbor on Thursday, June 2, beginning at 7:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Marci’s love for music and education to Detroit Youth Volume, which teaches Suzuki violin to Detroit children free of charge. detroityouthvolume.org/donate. Arrangements under the direction of Muehlig Funeral Chapel, Ann Arbor, MI.