Marion Grace Havrilla

Marion’s story began on May 13, 1929 in Highland Park, Michigan. The youngest child and cherished daughter of William and Frieda (nee Reitz) Kluth. After 4 boys, she was a welcome surprise. Marion looked up to her big brothers, Walter, Roland, William and Harvey; she was so very proud of them. She was baptized into the Christian faith on June 2, 1929. During her elementary education she attended a one room school at Grace Lutheran Church. In 1946, she graduated from Highland Park High School.

In 1947, while working in the Nurse’s Office of Highland Park High School she met the love of her life, Harley Frederick Havrilla. Harley was attending a high school completion course after serving in the Navy during WWII. Harley was starstruck and declared he met the girl he was going to marry! And on July 30, 1948 they were united in Holy Matrimony. They became the proud parents of three children: John, Joyce and Joan and made a wonderful life for them.

Marion retired in 1990 after working for 20 years in the City of Highland Park’s Treasurer’s Office. She did some traveling, but truly loved her life in Highland Park, preserving and sharing her beautiful 100-year-old home at the corner of Woodward & Moss Avenues. She was an avid gardener and kept her corner of the world neat and tidy. She loved being with people and would cook a Sunday pot roast to feed all who might stop by to visit. Always engaged with the community, Marion was a tireless worker at her church, The Midland School PTA, and the Moss Avenue Historic Neighborhood. She became a photographer extraordinaire, documenting events and always making sure people got copies, with plenty of handwritten details on the back – a true historian!

More than anything, Marion (and Harley) left a legacy not soon to be forgotten. She lived a life that was best expressed in the Foss poem: “And let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend to man.” She never failed to be a friend and a champion to many. As her family, we are in awe of Marion & Harley’s selfless nature and strive to follow in their footsteps.

We would like to thank the staff at Cedarbrook of Northville and Angela Hospice for the outstanding care she received while in their capable hands. They went above and beyond and we are grateful.

Marion is survived by her children; John (Karen) Havrilla of Troy, MI, Joyce (Kim) Jackson of Livonia, MI and Joan (Dick) Albert of Naperville, IL. She was the cherished grandma of Shaun Havrilla, Zachary (Brittany) Havrilla, Katie (Michael) Tolonen, Maureen (Daniel) McDade, Samantha (Ryan) Belisle, Nicholas Albert, and Douglas Albert. She was the treasured great-grandma of Kendall, Erin, Lucas and Finnegan. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Havrilla and many loving nieces and nephews. Marion was preceded in death by her husband, Harley, their son, Howard, her brothers and sisters-in-law and her parents.

Friends & Family are invited to a visitation from 3:00-8:00pm on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at Harry Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Road, Livonia. A Funeral Service will be held at the Harry Will Funeral Home on Friday, August 19, 2022 at 11:00am (visitation before service from 10:00am). The service will be officiated by Rev. Eddie Morales of Outer Drive Faith Lutheran Church. Interment to follow at Glen Eden Cemetery, Livonia, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations, if desired, can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org , Outer Drive Faith Lutheran Church 17500 James Couzens Fwy, Detroit, MI 48235, or a charity of your choice in Marion’s name.