Marilyn Jean Gusfa

Marilyn J. Gusfa entered into eternal rest on August 12, 2025 at the age of 78.  Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband of 54 years, Kenneth, son Aaron (Mia), daughter Amy (Brian), granddaughter Ava, brother John, brother-in-law Donald (Cris), and many nieces, nephews and godchildren.  Visitation Friday, August 15th from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Dearborn location of the Howe-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 22546 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48124.  Scripture service Friday 7:00 p.m.  Funeral Mass Saturday, August 16th at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 22430 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48124; Marilyn will lie instate at the church at 10:30 am.  Interment Monday, August 18 at 12:45 p.m. at St. Hedwig Cemetery.

Marilyn was born in Wyandotte, MI and lived in Dearborn most of her life, with the exception of the four years she spent in Bloomington, IN and the past two years that she spent in Milford with her daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Brian.

Marilyn worked at Great Lakes Steel in Accounts Payable until she welcomed children.  She was a member of Sacred Heart Church for more than 40 years.  Prior to Sacred Heart, Marilyn was a member of St. Stephen's.

Sweet, thoughtful, and loyal, Marilyn enjoyed multiple friendships that spanned decades.  She was classy, caring and fun - with a sense of innocence about her. She was sensitive, yet slow to anger and quick to forgive.  Marilyn was an amazing cook and a gracious host. Friends and family often remark about enjoying a Sunday dinner, a hunting widow’s gathering, a holiday celebration, a Super Bowl party, or a gourmet group meal at Marilyn’s table.

Marilyn always enjoyed trips "up north".  She loved to shop and was an amazing gift-giver.

Marilyn adored her grandparents and had very fond memories of her their farm in Tecumseh, MI. She held close bonds with her parents, her brother, her aunts and uncles, her cousins, her mother-in-law, her brother and sister-in-law, her nieces and nephews, and her godchildren.  

Her granddaughter, Ava was the light of her life and a tremendous source of joy. Marilyn enjoyed every meal, swim lesson, soccer game and book read with Ava. She always kept a picture of Ava close.

Marilyn was a wonderful mother to Aaron and Amy.  Marilyn and Ken made many sacrifices to pay for private schools, college, and countless other things her children wanted or needed. She was fair; for every holiday, she always made sure her kids received the same number of gifts, for the same exact dollar amount. She loved taking Aaron and Amy shopping for school clothes and lunch afterwards. She was dependable and consistent - never late for a pick-up or a bill pay.

She loved her son-in-law Brian. He always made her laugh. He made tremendous sacrifices to care for her and she always listened to him, much to Amy’s chagrin. Her last words were “oh, my Bri-Bri”.  Marilyn also had a special relationship with her daughter-in-law, Mia. They enjoyed weekly neighborhood pizza nights during Covid, passing out Halloween candy together, and countless, precious family experiences.

Her caregiver, Lyric was spectacular to her in every way; they shared a sweet relationship and truly loved each other. Lyric has become a member of the family.  Brian’s mother, Marian, also served as a wonderful caregiver. She dropped her life in Ohio and moved in with the family for a year during a period of major health challenges.

Marilyn’s greatest success was her marriage to the love of her life and husband of 54 years, Ken. Their love, commitment, and partnership was a beautiful example to witness. They never stopped caring for each other, spending quality time together or making each other laugh.

Heaven will be an easy transition for Marilyn, because she was an angel on earth.

The family suggests donations in Marilyn's name to either the Alzheimer's Association https://donorservices.alz.org/

or Angela Hospice https://angelahospice.org/