Marilyn E. (Trautz) Harris

Marilyn E. Harris, age 89, passed away on January 12, 2021 in Petoskey, Michigan. She was born in Dearborn, Michigan, the daughter of Robert and Magdalena (Sell) Trautz. She was married in 1954 to the late Donald R. Harris, MD.

From the start, Marilyn was an independent woman with a generous spirit. She was always unapologetically herself. She was not only blessed with a lot of energy, but a strong will to serve others. She loved entertaining; she and Don entertained friends and colleagues from all over the world.

In a time when academia barely allowed women to set foot on campus, Marilyn attended the University of Michigan for her undergraduate degree, continuing later to obtain her PhD while working at the Institute for Social Research. From that moment on, she bled maize and blue and cheered on Michigan’s football team from the stands every season. She taught business at Central Michigan University, at Capella University, and worked as a consultant to many organizations. She was elected as Trustee to the Springvale Township Board and served the Epsilon United Methodist Church.

Marilyn had a sharp, creative eye that was reflected in the clothes she made and wore throughout her life. No print was too bold or color too loud - she always stood out in a crowd. She was never idle and tackled all of her endeavors with vigor. On a cold, Michigan winter day you could find her on the ski slopes or cross-country skiing. In the summer, she loved going out on the lake, enjoying a cocktail hour on the deck, and attending the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario, with her husband and close friends the Thompsons.

Known to her grandchildren as ‘Nana’ and other loved ones as ‘Agnes’, she was loved by many, including countless students over her 40-year career and numerous friends. She is remembered by a friend, who considered her a role model, “Marilyn always pressed me to live through my better angels and encouraged me to be more and do more...I am so grateful to have known her and loved her as a sister. I am a better person because of Marilyn.”

Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Dawn (Robert Handler), sons David (Kim) and Daren (Lisa); by grandchildren Amy, Drew (Jules Kim), Melanie (Kyle Jean), and Lindsay; and great grandchild Gavin Jean. She is survived by her sister, Maurine Nelson. Her parents and sister, Roberta Cywin, preceded her in death.

In lieu of flowers, raise a Manhattan in her honor or make donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (https://www.lls.org/), Pickerel-Crooked Lake Association, University of Michigan, and Salvation Army.

Services are private. Funeral arrangements in care of Stone Funeral Home.

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