Marilyn Saarinen

Marilyn Joan Culy Saarinen, after years of struggles with dementia peacefully died on May 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 31, 1934, Marilyn lived a full and vibrant life, touching the hearts of all who knew her.

Marilyn was born in a small-town Muncie, IN. The middle daughter of Mary Pauline and Loyd Eugene Culy. Her sisters were Wilma Jean Culy Stone and Margaret Elaine Culy Kremer, all who preceded Marilyn in death.

Upon graduating from high school Marilyn continued her educational journey at Ball State University where she met her first husband Norman Eugene Featherston. Marilyn raised five children: Randall Eugene Featherston (Cheryl Featherston), Christi Lynn Pursey, Kevin Culy Featherston, Melanie Jean Hughey, and Mary Michelle Moser. She also had three stepchildren: Elizbeth and Paul Saarinen (deceased) and Eric Saarinen.

Marilyn was a cherished grandmother and great grandmother, always ready with a story, a laugh, and a comforting embrace. She leaves behind eight grandchildren: Angelia Hart and Sarah Barwick, Brenna, Erin and Molly Featherston, Clayton and Walter Moser, and Gorden Ehler, and a step-granddaughter Katelyn Saarinen. Marilyn also was blessed with five great grandchildren: Isaac, Seth, Joshua, Shane and Shelby.

Throughout her life, Marilyn valued education. She was able to complete her Master of Arts in Religion at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS) in Columbia, SC. While attending LTSS Marilyn met the love of her life Martin “Martti” Fredrick Saarinen. They began their married life by co-leading retreats. Their faith and desire to grow in their faith made their marriage unique. Martti died on April 1, 2023, and Marilyn tried to fill the void by making friends with all the gentleman at the care facility.

Marilyn inleading stilled in her children the love of all humans with the gift of service to others. This could be seen in her services as a preschool teacher, director of children’s choirs, author and bravely taking her five rambunctious children to sing and visit nursing homes. Her love of cooking was a gift she shared with all who enjoyed, homemade cookies and hard tack candies as well as bread. Marilyn was featured in the Knoxville News Sentinel for her work teaching English as a Second Language to a Vietnamese refugee family. After completing her degree at LTSS Marilyn served as a Chaplin for three years at the Wytheville County Community Hospital in Wytheville, VA.

Marilyn will be remembered for her unwavering love, hospitality, infectious smile, and ability to make everyone feel special. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace which will continue to inspire those who love her.

The family thanks the staff of Springfield Place, J.F. Hawkins and her many caregivers including Pastor Bill, Theresa and Ron Halfacre, and Dr. Michael Bernardo.

A graveside service will be held for Marilyn, on Friday, May 9, 2025, 1:00 PM at the Clayton Memorial Cemetery, 334 Clayton Memorial Church Road, Newberry, SC.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.https://alzfdn.org/donate/