Marilyn Amari

Marilyn Amari Battle Creek Marilyn Amari, 73, died peacefully at home on July 1, 2009, surrounded by family. Marilyn is finally reunited with the love of her life, the late Frank J. Amari, whom she married in 1953. Marilyn was wonderful, delightful, silly, smart, sweet, stubborn and strong-willed. She was born on September 10, 1935, in Syracuse, New York, the youngest of 8 children born to Abraham and Belle Grossman. She was raised in Chicago, and graduated from Lakeview High School, where she met and fell in love with Frank. Marilyn was a creative writer, and was offered a job with a newspaper after high school, but she decided to get married and raise a family instead. She and Frank had six daughters and moved the family to Battle Creek in the early 60's, where they lived the remainder of their lives; where he became round, and she remained silly. What endeared Marilyn to those who knew her was that she was a nurturer and anyone who entered her home became part of the family. Her favorite phrases were "are you hungry?" and "be careful!" She loved children and they seemed to gravitate toward her. Even at the age of 73 she could be found on the floor behind the sofa playing "peek-a-boo" with one of the great-grandchildren. Marilyn was always singing, and music of all genres filled their home. With an ear for music, she created harmonies to songs and taught her six daughters to sing together, which they did for several years in Battle Creek. While raising her daughters was her priority, Marilyn worked at the Federal Center for 22 years, where she was a member of the AFGE. Marilyn was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 50 years, Frank, parents Abraham and Belle, and siblings, Mike, Ray, Leon, Evelyn, Lee, and Jack. She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Debbie Brenner, Laurie Walton, Andrea Dekker, Terri Arnold, Francesca Amari and Lynn Amari; her niece, Marci Ratliff; sister, Rosalie; 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; and many dear friends, including Beth, Dee, Rogene, and Joan. Visitation will be held Sunday, July 5 at Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. A celebration of Marilyn's life will take place 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2009 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. A memorial fund has been set up in Marilyn's name at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/goto/MarilynAmari. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleestesdowdle.com.