Marilyn Hazel Beck Holroyd

"A Life Well-lived"
Marilyn Hazel Beck Holroyd, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator and friend, passed away on May 7th, 2025. She was 95 years old.
Born in Chicago, Illinois on October 19, 1929, Marilyn soon brought music and dance into the world, spending much of her childhood singing, dancing and performing, on the road, with her brother Marvin. Marilyn had a wonderful voice and later in life sang and recorded many arias.
As a young girl, Marilyn moved to Phoenix, AZ where she later met and fell in love with a young Native American man, Donald Dean Holroyd. Together they raised three children - Glen, Deirdre, and Julianne - who were the pride and joy of her life.
Marilyn pursued her passion for education early in life, earning a teaching degree from Tempe Normal School and later, a Master's degree, from Arizona State University. Her dedication to teaching spanned more than two decades in the Washington District elementary schools. Much of that time was spent at Richard E. Miller School, where she formed lasting friendships with fellow educators.
Marilyn later became an elementary school principal at John Jacobs School in Phoenix, where she served for over ten years. Her leadership and commitment to education were recognized with numerous awards throughout her career. After retiring from the school system, Marilyn continued to give back to her community by volunteering at the Heard Museum, where she played a key role in organizing and coordinating exhibits and shows.
Marilyn had a zest for life and a passion for travel. She made frequent trips to New Mexico to indulge her deep appreciation for Native American art and culture, a lifelong passion she shared with her family and friends. Her travels also took her across Europe, and at one point she even graced the cover of an Elderhostel brochure, capturing her spirit of adventure.
She is lovingly remembered by her son Glen Holroyd and his wife Sue; daughters Deirdre Lovemark, and Julianne Holroyd and her husband Tom; grandson Jamie Lovemark and his wife Tiva; and her great-granddaughters Teddi Lovemark and Jude Lovemark. Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband Don; her mother Hazel; her brothers Marvin and Court; her sister-in-law Lawanda; her half-sister Vivian, and her nephew Butch.
A memorial service will be held on May 29th at Shadow Rock Congregational Church, 12861 N 8th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85029, at 2 p.m.
Marilyn's family growing up in south Phoenix was very poor and often needed assistance. She often commented on how the Salvation Army was always there, no questions asked.
In honor of Marilyn's lifelong concern for the more unfortunate, and dedication to education and cultural preservation. Donations may be made to:
The Salvation Army: https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/
And
The Phoenix Indian Center: https://apps.phxindcenter.org/donate-now