Marilyn C. Okos

1948 - 2021

Marilyn C. (Campbell) Okos

Battle Creek - Marilyn Constance (Campbell) Okos, 72, of Battle Creek died peacefully in her favorite chair at home on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

Marilyn was born May 23, 1948, in Burbank, California the daughter of James Frederick and Margaret Constance (Tighe) Campbell. She was a 1966 graduate of Providence Catholic High School in Burbank, CA. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA and went on to earn a Master of Dietetics and Nutrition from The Ohio State University, where she met her husband, Emery Stephen Okos.

Marilyn and Emery were united in marriage on June 11, 1976 in South Lake Tahoe at St. Theresa Catholic Church. Surviving are her husband, Emery; daughter, Sara (Matthew) Krosin of Carmel, IN; two twin grandsons, Emmett Frederick and Tristan Campbell Krosin; sister, Catherine Mulligan of Redmond, WA; and a brother-in-law, Martin (Lisa) Okos of Battle Ground, IN. Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, James F. Campbell; her mother, Margaret C. Campbell Rummel.

Marilyn was employed as a Professor at Chico State University in California, and after relocating to Southwest Michigan for her husband's position with Kellogg's she spent a period of time working for the Calhoun County Office of Aging, she then resumed her academic track as a Professor at Albion College in Albion, Michigan. Marilyn proudly viewed her role as mother as her highest vocation in life, and selflessly put her professional endeavors on hold to be a full-time mother shortly after the birth of her daughter, Sara, in 1983. Marilyn believed deeply in the value of education and its potential for enriching people's lives and opportunities. Upon Sara's graduation from high school, Marilyn returned to work as the director of Siena Heights University's degree completion program at Kellogg Community College. Her earnings funded Sara's education at the University of Notre Dame, an investment in which Marilyn took tremendous pride.

Marilyn was a former member of St. Philip Roman Catholic Church. During her 44 years of membership with the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Marilyn assumed many leadership roles, but it was the lifelong friendships she cultivated through the group's social and charitable activities that gave Marilyn the greatest fulfillment. She was also a former member of the Battle Creek Home Economics Club, an early leader of the Binder Park Hills Homeowners Association, and a former school and Hospice volunteer.

Marilyn prioritized family above all else. This was evident in the vacations she planned to destinations such as Lake Tahoe, Hawaii, Europe, Alaska, Australia, Ireland and Scotland; the delicious home cooked meals and treats she regularly prepared; the extensive holiday displays she lovingly curated each Christmas; and the long hours she spent on the phone with her daughter and FaceTime with her young grandsons. She had a knack for decorating and took great pride in maintaining a beautiful and loving home for her family. She was a skilled seamstress, a gracious hostess, and a talented cook and baker. Her fondue parties, Sarah Bernhardt cookies, and spaghetti sauce will be missed almost as much as her warm smile and cheerful laugh. Her favorite pastimes included attending musical theatre, crafting, traveling with her husband and sister, playing cards, trips to the casino, trivia, and cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes. She and Emery created many memories on their annual fall color tours of northern Michigan, where they enjoyed exploring the area's restaurants, wineries, quaint shops, and galleries.

Marilyn lived her life with kindness and compassion, giving freely of her time and energy. She was quick to lend a hand, express appreciation, and take a genuine interest in others. She will be remembered for her exceptional thoughtfulness and generosity, always taking great joy in picking out the perfect gifts for her friends and family and going the extra mile to make others feel safe and special. A natural problem solver, Marilyn was uniquely curious, creative, and undeterred by obstacles. Her spirit will live on in the many beloved family traditions she created and passed on to her daughter and grandchildren.

Per Marilyn's wishes, her cremated remains will be lovingly placed by her family at Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe during a future celebration of her life.

Memorial contributions may be made to South Michigan Food Bank, 5451 Wayne Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49037. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.