Marilynn and I met in 1968, and she was always free to tell me she didn't like me then, but we came to be good friends.  She helped me get a job at North American Photo in Dearborn (we loved our hot cocoa and toast at the restaurant nearby). Then I helped her get a job at W. T. Heaney maybe 20 years later.  Our favorite job, however, was as bartenders for weddings at Mercy College. Marilynn made us keep the lights low (despite my not-great eyesight), could turn on her sexy voice and always got us TIPS! Our favorite night of all, Eddie Giacomin, amazing Detroit goaltender was in our bar. We melted into toast everytime he came in. He was sober, but he still tipped us generously, and we mooned over his ass so bad. We were in heaven.

We shared a lot; our kids shared a lot. Marilynn picked me up and drove me around many a time, including in the middle of the night when I was stranded and walking away from a man I shouldn't have been with in first place, which was nothing new.  I know she always lived life on her terms, even if she couldn't do it out loud.  Nate and Sean were always her first priority and her first love. She would take anyone to the mat to protect them.

She made do with very little, even driving a car with only emergency brakes. She was bad ass when it came to her kids. Don't eff with her.  Everyone who knew her, knew that.  Mar, I know you're all good. You made a difference.  I hope Joy was the first one who greeted you so you could know it was all good!