I just  learned of Marilyn’s passing in the CoE’s Review(ED) email. I was one of her doctoral students and was honored to have her on my committee. Marilyn was a great professor and even better person. I faced some personal losses during my time in HALE and the compassion and understanding from Marilyn was one of the main reasons I was able to stay in the program. She was a truly wonderful person and teacher. 

I send my deepest condolences to her family and join the entire HALE & MSU community in mourning her loss. She will be deeply missed. May her memory be a blessing to us all.

My heart aches thinking of Marilyn’s passing. I’ve known her for most of my time as a professor of higher education at the University of Illinois and University of Washington, and that’s a very long time. Throughout these many years, Marilyn has been a caring and supportive colleague and friend.  The beautiful notes from so many of her students tell her amazing story so much better than I can but I resonate with many. The ways Marilyn gracefully supported each and every person in her orbit made you feel as though you are valued and frankly, loved for who you are and what you bring to the work. This is a rare gift for which I will forever be grateful. 

I want to share my sincere condolences with Marilyn’s family, faculty colleagues, students, and friends  Our hearts are breaking but I know we’ll all grow in our appreciation of who Marilyn was and of all the special gifts of wisdom and care she gave us for so many years. Our current pain is eased knowing our shared memories will keep Marilyn in our hearts and minds for the rest of our days. God bless!

Marilyn’s legacy is woven into the lives of every educator, every leader, every student she touched. She didn’t just guide programs—she lifted people. She didn’t just serve communities—she transformed them. Her heart for equity, her brilliance, and her unwavering belief in the power of education made her a force that shaped countless futures, including mine.

Even though Marilyn is no longer with us, her presence has not faded. She continues to walk beside us in every act of mentorship, every moment of courage, every step we take to uplift someone else. Her light is one of those rare lights that never goes out.


I will never forget the day of my dissertation defense. Just moments before I walked in, Marilyn gave me her big, reassuring smile and said, “Go and get them—you know this topic more than anyone.” In that instant, she poured confidence into me at a time when I needed it most. That was who she was—someone who saw your strength long before you could see it in yourself.

I believe she is now an angel in heaven, still doing what she always did—encouraging, believing, nurturing, guiding. She has paved a path for thousands, and her impact will continue long beyond our lifetimes.

Thank you, Marilyn, for your kindness, your brilliance, your courage, and your love for people.

You will be deeply missed, dear teacher, mentor, and friend.

 Much love and deep sorrows,

Hilda Mejia Abreu

Marilyn and I were in the same 1st Grade class back in 1963.  She’s in the 3rd row.

Dear Dennis, Caitlin, and Megan,

Please accept my deepest condolences on Marilyn’s passing. She made a profound impact on my life, and I am truly saddened by this loss. Her caring leadership played a significant role in my growth at MSU, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to work with such an exceptional leader. Marilyn was, without question, the best boss anyone could hope for, and her legacy will continue to inspire me.

With sympathy,
Amy Koschmider

Marilyn and I met through Cornell Elementary School. Our daughters, Caitlin and Jenny were in the same grade. We chatted during drop offs and pickups, school activities, and Girl Scouts. I also came to know Dennis and Meghan, who was always so happy to see Jenny. Such a sweet family. I send my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Karen Krzanowski

Marilyn was such a blessing to all who crossed her path. She modeled the empathy she expected of administrators and educators like me. I learned so much from her - her impact will go on.

I am so sad to hear of Marilyn’s passing. What a profound loss for her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. I knew her in her role as Interim Assistant Provost for Faculty and Academic Staff Development, and her obituary’s mention of her leadership and dedication to educational excellence perfectly reflects the Marilyn I knew. She was always a source of knowledge, encouragement, and support to anyone fortunate enough to cross her path. I was fortunate to have met Marilyn in my early days as a department chair at MSU. Her kindness, wisdom, and generosity made an impact.

Marilyn’s gentle but determined spirit lives among us, even as we mourn her passing.  We treasure memories of her ability to combine heartfelt compassion with intellectual curiosity.  I was fortunate to be her colleague, even though we were at different institutions.  She had a deep respect for the role of community colleges and those who work in them, and I was grateful for her encouragement.  We hold her family in our hearts.  Marilyn left us all a shining example of a life well-lived.

I am so saddened to hear of Dr. Marilyn Amey's death. Marilyn and I were department chairs (hers in Educational Administration and mine in Kinesiology) for a number of years. We shared so many weekly meetings together and supported each other during tough budget times.  She had a calm presence and  grace that helped raise my spirits during those times. I will always remember her smile.

Dan and I are saddened to learn of Marilyn’s passing. We send our love and condolences to Dennis and her two beautiful daughters. I was privileged to serve as Marilyn’s doctoral adviser at Penn State. And we collaborated on several projects thereafter including when  we were both at Michigan State. She was intelligent, caring and a friend to all who were lucky enough to work with her. I know she was much admired and will be deeply missed in the higher education community to which she was so devoted. We will remember  her smiling, gentle soul with gladness for the honor it was to know her.

I was a faculty member at MSU for 28 years, having retired in 2022. I was housed primarily in the College of Education.  In my time at MSU, I met many fine individuals, but without a doubt, Marilyn Amey was the most .....genuine.... person I ever came to know.  No question about it.  What a loss to all of us.

Dr. Amey,

I am saddened by the news of your passing. Your kind spirit will be missed tremendously. You always made sure that I had everything I needed as a grad student at MSU. Whenever I’d post or make a statement on social media, you’d always send me words of inspiration and encouragement. In fact, you reached out to me just a few months ago and reminded me to keep going. I’ll always remember your generosity and wisdom. I am blessed to have known you. Rest in peace.

My condolences to the Amey family. I meet Amey through the CSCC.  She was my friend, mentor, and fellow community college scholar.

Marilyn, I met you at the start of my grad school at MSU and your first year teaching there. You were one of the kindest professors I met. I appreciated our continued friendship on FB and seeing the pride you had for your daughters. You are sorely missed!

Teri Slick (Smitherman)

OBITUARY

Marilyn Jane Amey

November 29, 1957 – November 5, 2025

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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