Marcia Evans Stockmeyer

With heavy hearts we announce the loss of Marcia Stockmeyer, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, fun aunt, and friend. She was 83 years old and approaching her 60th wedding anniversary when she succumbed to complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Her passing was peaceful, with family members at her bedside.

Marcia was born Marcia Evans Rudman March 5, 1943, in Detroit, the youngest daughter of Francis and Claribel Rudman. She grew up in Pleasant Ridge alongside her older brother and sister. After moving to Mount Pleasant and back, she graduated from Detroit’s Redford High School (1961) and Michigan State University (1965), majoring in political science and international relations. She was a member and chapter president of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and was elected to Mortar Board, a national senior women’s honorary society.

Marcia then became a social worker in Detroit, and later in Lansing. She married Norman Otto Stockmeyer, Jr., a lawyer, in 1966 and settled into the role of mother and homemaker in East Lansing. Otto and Marcia have three daughters, Claire Margaret-Ann Shaughnessy (Robert) of San Diego CA, Kathleen Lillian Schnee (Mark) of Kalispell MT, and Mary Frances Carson (Scott) of London, England. Her much beloved grandchildren are Rafer and Clay Shaughnessy, Adrian and James Schnee, and Magnus, Celia, and Josie Carson.

An active community volunteer, Marcia contributed to the work of many organizations, often in a leadership position. They included the Sparrow Hospital Women’s Board of Managers, Lansing Town Hall, Lansing ProSymphony, Lansing Woman’s Club, Planned Parenthood of Mid-Michigan, People’s Church Council of Elders and Fine Arts Commission, East Lansing Recreation Commission, Lawyers Wives of Ingham County, Gamma Phi Beta Alumnae, and Wharton Inner Circle.

When their children went off to college, the Stockmeyers moved to their “year-round vacation” home on Lake Lansing where Marcia enjoyed entertaining, hosting family, traveling, her bridge groups, and socializing at the University Club. Friends said of Marcia that she was “vibrant, smart, witty,” a “caring and fun friend,” and “always upbeat with a great smile.” Indeed, she awoke every day with a smile on her face.

Marcia was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Mark Rudman and Sharon Dougall and is survived by her husband, their daughters and sons-in-law, and grandchildren.

A private celebration of Marcia’s life for family and friends is being planned for August 8.