OCEAN RIDGE — Marilyn Ireland, known for her one-of-a-kind charisma, died Jan. 7. She was 95.
Mrs. Ireland — beloved as Meem, Mimi and Mema — was bubbly and colorful, possessed of a magnetic personality. She loved getting to know people and their stories, and everyone loved her in return.
Born Dec. 4, 1930, Marilyn spent her childhood in Almont, Michigan, where she loved riding horses on her parents’ farm. After graduating from Almont High School, she entered Stephens College in Missouri, studying aviation to be a flight attendant.
Mrs. Ireland was meant to be on the stage and she had her opportunity as a model for General Motors, being crowned as Miss Apple Queen, participating in local parades — driving her red convertible Corvette with the grandkids sitting on top waving to the crowds. She repeatedly took honors at Mitzenfeld Department Store for being top salesperson.
She also liked to give back to the community, volunteering as a candy striper for Beaumont Hospital, and at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the resale shop.
Soon after graduating from college, she met the love of her life, Hugh Ireland. They married and raised three children — Jeff, Lisa and Craig. Life was full of adventure in the homes they made, mostly in Michigan (Bloomfield Hills, Ludington, Metamora, Rochester and Torch Lake) and in Ocean Ridge.
As much as Marilyn will be missed, her family is grateful for all the wonderful memories.
She is survived by her children Jeff Ireland, Lisa (Kim) Hubert, and Craig (Paula) Ireland; grandchildren Stacie Ireland, Cameron (Emily) Ireland, Christen (Dan) Kirsammer, Catherine Ireland, Cail (Kaila) Hubert, and Kalyn (Colton) Walters; and great-grandchildren Mia Chapman, Ella Chapman, Paxson Walters, Freya Ireland and Louisa Kirsammer.
She was predeceased by her parents, Ross and Marion Lawrence; husband, Hugh Ireland; sister, Sharon Kirk; and grandsons Jeffrey Ireland and Logan Hubert.
Mrs. Ireland was buried at the Metamora Cemetery in Metamora, Michigan. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research or Tunnels to Towers. Please consider leaving a memory or condolence on the online guestbook, at https://www.wintfuneralhome.com/obituary/marilyn-ireland.
— Submitted by the family
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