Marilynn McGregor

Marilynn McGregor was many things to many people, but above all, she was gentle, devoted, and quietly strong. Born on May 17, 1947, in Omaha, Nebraska, she lived her life in service to others, guided by steady routines, deep Christian faith, and a love that showed up every day. She died on December 30, 2025, at the age of 78, leaving behind a family and community shaped by her presence.
She worked for over two decades as a church secretary at Zion Lutheran Church, a role she cherished because it allowed her to help others. What she treasured most were the deep friendships she built with her colleagues there, especially the secretaries she worked alongside. Later, she joined Daisy Brand, LLC, where she was admired for her strong work ethic, kindness, and willingness to help. She retired after 17 years, proud of the work she had done and the relationships she had formed.
In retirement, her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, caring for them, and watching them grow. Her faith guided every part of her life. She was a devout prayer warrior who prayed daily for her children, grandchildren, her sisters and brother, their families, and all those she loved.
An avid history buff with a brilliant and curious mind, Marilynn devoted an entire year of her retirement to researching and writing two books: one chronicling her mother's family history, and one chronicling her father's. These books were a labor of love and a gift that will be treasured for generations.
She loved baking cookies and pies, and cooking, especially her mom's spaghetti sauce, always with Pavarotti or her favorite operas playing in the background. She spent hours working on crossword and jigsaw puzzles, laughed along with Frasier and FRIENDS, solved fictional crimes with Tom Selleck on Blue Bloods and Mark Harmon on NCIS, listened to Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, The Mills Brothers, and a collection of oldies from the 1950s and early 1960s, and explored the world through Rick Steves.
Marilynn took great pride in caring for her home, and her attention to detail reflected the love and order she brought into everything she did. As a mother, she was steady, devoted, and deeply loving. She shared her deep love for Jesus with her children and grandchildren, leading them to Christ and building a family rooted in faith, love, and hard work. Her love was constant, most often shown in the quiet, everyday ways she cared for her family.
Her gentle nature and sweetness touched everyone who met her. Even in her final weeks, with limited ability to speak, nurses, aides, and visitors often remarked on her kindness and warmth. This spirit remained with her until the very end.
She is survived by her children, Kathleen McGregor, and Michael McGregor; her grandchildren, Adrienne McGregor, Brendin McGregor, and Violet McGregor; and her beloved siblings, Carolyn Coursey, Timothy Zirges, and Jill Crumley. She was preceded in death by her parents Norman Zirges and Florence Zirges, and her brothers, Norman Zirges, Frederick Zirges and Robert Zirges.
Marilynn's life cannot be measured by dates or roles, but by the care she gave, the prayers she said for those she loved, and the love she never withheld. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1801 W Plano Pkwy, Plano, TX 75075. Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life.
In Lieu of Flowers
Donations in Marilynn's memory may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church.