Marilyn Ann Stanitzke

Marilyn Stanitzke, of Grosse Pointe Farms, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Born Aug. 5, 1931, in Mason City, Iowa, to Hugh and Agnes Sweeney, Marilyn graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in primary education from Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa. She moved to Grosse Pointe Farms to teach kindergarten in the Grosse Pointe Public School System. Shortly thereafter, she met her future husband, Don Stanitzke, at a social dance at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. They married in 1958.
After their son Steve was born in 1960, Marilyn paused her teaching career, while occasionally serving as a substitute teacher in the GPPSS. In 1975, she embarked upon a new career as a Realtor. This was to become a significant passion for Marilyn, as she served generations of families in the Grosse Pointe area for the next 45 years. She joined Higbie Maxon (now Higbie Maxon Agney) in 1978, remaining loyal to that agency for the balance of her career. She served on the board of directors for the Grosse Pointe Board of Realtors from 1986-87, and again from 1989-91. Marilyn received the distinguished Frederick G. Scully lifetime achievement award from the Grosse Pointe Board of Realtors in 2001.
In addition to her service with the Grosse Pointe Board of Realtors, Marilyn enjoyed participating in various civic, philanthropic and social organizations. For several years, she was active with the Junior Women's Association for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. She served on the Grosse Pointe Farms Board of Review and enjoyed supporting the Grosse Pointe Public Library Foundation.
Marilyn thrived on the wonderful friendships she formed in the Grosse Pointe area during her 60-year residency. She particularly enjoyed attending DSO Pops concerts, worshiping at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church and spending time at Pier Park, the Neighborhood Club and area restaurants. She also loved her annual vacations to Florida. Her playful, competitive spirit always came through when playing the board games and card games she so enjoyed with friends and family.
While separated by distance, Marilyn's family meant everything to her. Visits and travels with her son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-granddaughter - and her nieces and their families - were treasured and created valued memories.
According to her family, Marilyn inspired all who knew her through a strong independent spirit, exceptional work ethic and active lifestyle and the value she placed on friendships and family.
Marilyn is survived by her son, Steve (Amy); grandchildren, Katelyn Simmons (Alec), Maddy Hernandez (Christian), Maggie Collins-Trawick (Will) and Patrick "PJ"; great-granddaughter, Molly Hernandez; nieces, Jane Wernecke (Al) and Nancy Hach; and grand-nieces, Amy Kinsman (Tony), Jen Brady and their children. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Don, and her sister, Jeanette.
The family is planning a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Monday, July 7, at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms, followed by a celebration of Marilyn's life for friends and family at The War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms. The family suggests contacting Verheyden Funeral Home or verheyden.org over the coming weeks for confirmation and any updates.
Donations may be made to the Grosse Pointe Public Library Foundation, or a charity of the donor's choice.