Marilyn A. Diebold

Marilyn A. Diebold (née Byrnes), age 85, passed away surrounded by her loving family on March 1, 2023 in Gaylord, Michigan. She was born July 30, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan to James Byrnes and Elizabeth (nee O’Brien), the fourth of six children. She grew up in Detroit and graduated from Immaculata Catholic High School in 1955.   Marilyn married Richard (Dick) M. Diebold on October 5, 1957 at Gesu Catholic Church in Detroit. The couple moved from Detroit to Gaylord in 1969 with their family of 5 young children. Marilyn and Dick celebrated 65 years of marriage in October 2022 by renewing their wedding vows at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord. Marilyn was the loving mother of her 5 children: Rick (Jenny) Diebold of Ellsworth, Michigan; Michael (Vickie) Diebold of Potterville, Michigan; Mary (Kevin) McNamara of Osceola, Indiana; Cathy (Terry) O’Connor of Gaylord; and Denise (Brian) Hoots of Clarkston, Michigan. Marilyn is also survived by her adoring grandchildren Rick, Karin, Benjamin, Veronica, Catherine, John, Matthew, Brittany, Caitlin, Colin, Conor, Sean, Caitlin, Shannon, Patrick, Alaina, and Jenna, as well as 15 great grandchildren. Marilyn was preceded in death by a grandson Zachary, and her brothers O’Brien and Patrick, and sisters Joan, Kathleen, and Irene.   Marilyn was a faithful and active member of St. Mary Cathedral Parish in Gaylord for 54 years and was active with the Daughter’s of Isabella, Our Lady of Grace Circle for more than 40 years. She provided child care in her home for more than 30 years where her kids knew her as Nana. Marilyn’s passion was spending time doting on her grandkids and watching them participate in athletics, band, and school plays.   Visitation will take place from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday, March 5, 2023 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Our Lady of Grace Circle and Knights of Columbus will offer a Rosary at 5:00 PM.   A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:00 AM Monday, March 6, 2023 at St. Mary Cathedral where the family will visit with friends beginning at 9:00 AM. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in the Spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marilyn’s name can be made to Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral School or the New Life Pregnancy Resource Center in Gaylord.    Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on her guestbook below.