Marilyn Rall Obituary

Marilyn Rall

East Lansing

Marilyn Louise Rall, 70, born in Madison Wisconsin on May 15, 1945; died on November 5th 2015, while under hospice care. Marilyn was the daughter of Dr. Leonard Rall, an economics professor at MSU, and Dorothy Rall, an East Lansing High School history teacher. After her retirement, Marilyn lived in the Rall family home in Lantern Hill, a neighborhood in East Lansing well known for its innovative design and built by a group of MSU professors and their families in 1952. Marilyn was a graduate of East Lansing High School, Oberlin College (BA), and North Carolina University (PhD Social Psychology). She enjoyed a long teaching career at Brooklyn College, where she was voted outstanding professor by her students. During her teaching career in NY, she actively pursued her love of acting and theater production. Marilyn was an avid and enthusiastic international traveler, inspired by the family's four year residence in Brazil while she was a child. Over the course of her adult life, she particularly enjoyed visiting friends in England on an annual basis.

After retiring from Brooklyn College, she helped establish a successful film production company based in East Lansing. She enjoyed attending premieres of films her company helped produce.

Marilyn will be remembered for her sense of humor, her pursuit of fun, and endless storytelling. Above all, she will be remembered for her love and support of art in all its forms. Her uncompromising generosity has inspired and will continue to inspire generations of artists to come.

The family is planning a memorial service in the spring of 2016, date to be determined.

Marilyn is survived by her sisters; Barbara Lowrey of Alexandria VA, and Marcia Haarer of Ann Arbor MI.

In lieu of flowers, please send funds to the Spartan Marching Band. Checks can be made out To Michigan State University, and write in the memo line "Spartan Marching Band". Send to College of Music Development Office, MSU, 333W Circle Dr., Room 103, East Lansing, MI 48824. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal from Nov. 14 to Nov. 15, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Rall

7 Entries

Jennifer Noble mikson

April 22, 2017

I am very saddened to find out that Marilyn has left us. She was my mother's (Eileen Noble) best friend for over 30 years. As such "Aunt" Marilyn spent many holidays with me and my family. I remember many late nights where we would all be laughing, joking and telling stories. We lost touch over the last few years and I regret not being able to say goodbye. You have been and now will always be missed. Never forgotten. Love you Aunt M.

April 15, 2016

I am deeply saddened to discover that Marilyn has passed. She was my mentor, role model and good friend since 1974, when I was an undergraduate student at Brooklyn College. Her generosity of time and ideas has always been wonderfully helpful (and entertaining). Thanks to Marilyn,I have a doctorate and I am a college professor at Kingsborough Community College. Over the years, we got together now and then when she was in Brooklyn. She will be missed.

Please include in her credentials that she was Professor Emeritus at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York. She was quite proud of this accomplishment. Florence Schneider, Brooklyn, New York

Sandra Amundsen

November 25, 2015

Marilyn's love of performance and theater was contagious. She managed to convince me to join her in an act for an ELHS talent show.....something I would never have done on my own. Wishing Marilyn and her family God's peace.

Amy Refior

November 24, 2015

So sorry to hear about Marilyn's passing. Marilyn was a very kind neighbor. Her love of East Lansing and MSU was something we shared and could always discuss.

Margo Salisbury

November 18, 2015

My fondest memory of my cousin Marilyn is her singing at her parents 50th wedding anniversary. I flew out from Portland, Oregon to join the festivities. Marilyn was a joyous soul.

Nona and Jim Anderson

November 15, 2015

We had fun at MSU volleyball and MSU women's basketball games with Marilyn and a group of friends. Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Jean Collins

November 14, 2015

I'm so sorry to hear this and to hear that Marilyn was ill. We had such fun at the East Lansing High School class of 1963 50th reunion a couple of years ago. It was so nice to reconnect with her. My memories of Marilyn go back to our Marble School days - and that's a long time! If I can help the family, please let me know as I am right here in East Lansing.
Jean (Stanley) Collins.

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