Estelle "Molly" Marcus was born on December 3, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, and wanted so badly to reach her 90th birthday.  While she fell just a bit short, Molly had a very full life.  Molly is predeceased by her parents, Espedito Michael Pelaia and Josephine Constance Pelaia (Pasquino), and her loving husband, Alphonse Marcus.  Molly leaves behind five children, Michael (Connie), Ralph (Kimberly), Pamela (Roger), Paul (Karen), and Amy (David), fourteen grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren.  Molly is also survived by her brother Ralph Pelaia, her nephews Michael (Greg) and Christopher, and her nieces Elaine and Carole.  Molly was predeceased by her niece, Kathy.

Molly was born in Detroit, Michigan, moved to upstate New York, graduated from Peekskill High School in 1953, and spent two years at SUNY Farmingdale where she received her dental hygiene degree, and started her professional career as a dental hygienist.  Molly eventually returned to Michigan, taking a position as a Resale Manager in a Cooperative housing community.  From there, Molly and Al started a successful property management company, Marcus Management, Inc.  After being professionally established, Molly became one of the founding Board members of what was then called the Michigan Association of Housing Cooperatives, an organization which supported the Cooperative housing model.  The Michigan Association has grown to represent cooperatives in five neighboring states and is now called the Midwest Association of Housing Cooperatives.  Molly's expertise in business was budgeting, letter writing, and attending corporate Board meetings.  Molly created a common-sense approach for budgeting practices, which are still in place today, and crafted inspiring letters to residents who broke local housing rules, most of whom complied with every instruction.

Molly and Al retired, together, in 1992 and enjoyed all the thrills and adventures of retirement.  They traveled together to places such as Russia and cruised around Alaska. Later, Molly moved to Florida for many years to enjoy the beach and sunshine. She then returned, again, to Michigan to be near her family. Molly was so very proud of her ever-growing family, showing off her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren whenever she had a chance.

Over the years, Molly persevered through many health challenges and surgeries. Molly came through each and every medical challenge with strength, fortitude, and exuberance to continue her life to the fullest. Molly did just that, setting the bar quite high for us to follow in her strength.

Molly yearned to be reunited with her parents and her loving husband, Al, and be with her loving God.  Molly's physical life's journey here on earth has ended, but Molly's spiritual life with God continues.  All those whose lives were touched by Molly were always greeted with her warmth, kindness, and compassion.  Now in Heaven, Molly most certainly stands at the entrance of the Golden Gates, welcoming all who enter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are kindly suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Volunteers of America Michigan .

Family and friends may gather for visiting hours at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown Farmington on Wednesday, October 29, from 2-8 pm.  A time of prayer and remembrances is planned for 6 pm.

Molly's funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday morning, October 30, at 10:00 am (in state 9:30 am) at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Rd., Farmington.