Marilynn Pacholek, age 90, a devoted mother and adored grandmother, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones in Northville on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Her legacy of serving others, her tremendous love for family, and her adventurous spirit will remain in the hearts and memories of her loved ones.

Born in Dearborn, Michigan, Marilynn was the daughter of the late Vaud and Alice McCarty, and she was the youngest of four children. She married her high school sweetheart Thomas Pacholek on July 29, 1953, in Dearborn. Marilynn graduated from Fordson High School in Dearborn and worked as a dental assistant.

Above all else, Marilynn enjoyed spending quality time with her family. She was a talented knitter and skilled at crocheting and sewing, generously crafting Afghans, quilts, and beautiful Christmas stockings for just about everyone she knew.

Marilynn loved traveling with her family and spent countless summer weekends at a cottage on Strawberry Lake and wintered on the beaches of Florida. She was proud to have visited all 50 states. Marilynn's hobbies included daily walks with friends, bowling in a league, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, baking cookies with her grandchildren, watching sports and attending grandchildren's games, and going on fun outings with her great grandchildren. She was also a patient and loving caretaker to many friends and family members.

Marilynn was always up for an adventure, kayaking in the Dominican Republic, hiking in Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, water skiing in Missouri, and parasailing in Gulf Shores, Alabama—and that was all in her 80s!

Marilynn is survived by her loving daughters, Sandra Anas, Carol (Eliot) Cebula, and Dianne (Thomas Jardine) Pacholek; four cherished grandchildren, Brittany Anas, Dane (Justin Stewart) Jardine, Mallory (Roger Ginestet) Jardine, and Trey (Summer Klomp-Jardine) Jardine; and her three adored great-grandchildren, Teagan, Roger, and Sawyer Ginestet.

Marilynn was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Pacholek; son Gary Pacholek; and granddaughter, Devanie Pacholek.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 11 am – 4 pm, at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place immediately following visitation hours at 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to a charity of one's choice.

Please keep Marilynn and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"—Acts 20:35