Marilyn Jo Duhamell Strawbridge

65, passed away peacefully on July 6th at home with her family and beloved dogs at her side.

She was born in Indianapolis on May 20, 1951 and was a proud graduate of Howe High School. She continued her education while coaching gymnastics at the Normal College and Indiana University. She earned a Masters at Butler University then an EED at Indiana University. She was a professor in the department of Physical Education and Tourism managed at IUPUI and then a tenured professor in the Department of Education at Butler University.

She was ahead of her time as an advocate for women’s health and fitness, coaching gymnastics, volleyball, and strength and conditioning for Olympic ice skating hopefuls. She not only coached but also competed, earning one of he first women’s varsity letters in gymnastics at Indiana University. She transitioned her athleticism and competitive nature to the running scene winning the 1982, 1983 Indy Mini Marathons and the 1982 RRCA 30K National Championship. She was a founding member of Indy Runners and an inspiration to novice and elite athletes alike. As a consultant at the Army Fitness School she was unbeaten by both women ad men in their equivalent of today’s cross fit test. She was a participant in The President’s White House Task Force on Physical Fitness; a delegate to the IOC Olympic Academy in Greece, on the board of directors for the USA gymnastics, and a member of the Stanley K. Lacey Leadership Development Forum.

Marilyn’s life was filled with the love of dance, gardening, cooking, hiking and her time as a soprano in the North United Methodist church choir. She proudly carried the torch passed to her from �"America’s Greatest Generation” and by example and her teaching skills, was eager to pass this torch onto the next generation.

She is survived by her husband Robert, sister Jan (Bill) McConnell, children Katy, Amy, Kevin (Sarah), Andrew (Kim), and five wonderful grandchildren. Her parents, Merrill and Amy Duhamell, preceded Marilyn in death.