In Memory Of

Eulogy by Suzanne Nagle St.John

Marion, to some of you, “Mom” to many, Grama, Aunt, Sister, Friend to all who knew her. Raising 7 children in the turbulent 60s prepared her for a career in the Emergency Room at Henry Ford Hospital.

She had a witty sense of humor and loved to read. She signed up for painting classes, joined community groups, took us to the DIA, Brunch with Bach, Shakespeare in the Park and loved to talk politics and philosophy. She was earthy and regal and proud - I was in awe how she could show up for a crisis looking like she had come from the salon.

Marion was made of no-nonsense practicality and logic ruled the day but beneath her composure was a spirit of play. On a spring day with the Tiger game on, Mom convinced us it would be fun to wash all the windows in the den and it was!

What I will remember most is the dignity she allowed us in finding our way. When I got caught hitchhiking, or staying out all night she said nothing. All I knew was that she was disappointed and that was the worst kind of punishment. She had a deep and powerful inner guide that led all of us.

She was 18 on her wedding day and by the age of 28 she had 7 children. It was 1964. She probably didn’t know then how strong and deeply determined she was. The years to come would test us all. Her parents died 2 weeks apart in 1966, then the ‘68 Riots hit her neighborhood. Raising teenagers in wartime and battling breast cancer, still she persevered.

In writing this I am reminded of how extraordinary a person she was. In 1975 she started working in a medical office and uncovered insurance fraud. She found her second home as an Emergency Room Supervisor at Henry Ford Hospital. The next 2 decades brought grandchildren and a profound sense of purpose.

“Show up, shut up, wear beige”. She was practical like giving you shoes on your birthday, luggage for graduation, a digital thermometer for the baby. She was serious when she had to be and so much fun when her work was done. Her life with dad (Jerry Nagle) was the perfect balance. They laughed a lot! Ask us about last touch or the celebrity funeral prank or the driveway boulder.

No matter when or how many stopped by her home across from Pine Lake she could produce a buffet to feed 20 people and send you home with leftovers. We filled her home with life and left behind our collected souvenirs from childhood adventures. It is who she was, a mom first.

Her 89 years left a trail of laughter and wisdom so deep we can only wonder what we’ve lost. What she left us was each other. We will take care of each other now Mom.

It’s time for God to hold you as you have held us.