Marie Jarvis

Marie Hilbron Jarvis was a stubborn, fiercely independent woman who was never seen without a pair of sunglasses. This quirk hints at Marie’s quiet, private nature: she preferred to evaluate others unseen, keeping a protective barrier between herself and outsiders. However, the small group of people inside Marie’s circle knew her to be a loving woman, upon whose strength they could depend for support.

Marie Helen Hilbron was born into the bustling metropolis of Chicago, Illinois on August 3, 1913. The proud parents, Edward E. and Romula (Fortin) Hilbron, caught the first sight of their beautiful daughter at Mercy Hospital. Although Marie didn’t know it at the time, four siblings eagerly awaited her arrival at home: Alfred, Bruce, Cedric and Alma. Being the youngest of the family, Marie was soon christened with the nickname “Babe.” The family grew up in the Chicago-Englewood area. Like many hard-working American families, the Hilbrons were hard hit by the Depression era. Marie’s father was an optometrist by trade and early on was robbed of his hearing, after which he soon lost his job. Fortunately, Marie was still able to attend school, completing the tenth grade in the Chicago public school system. Following her high school education, Marie enrolled in business school for one year.

Marie’s first career was with her brother, Bruce. An acrobat, Bruce successfully operated his own studio. Having learned the techniques earlier in life, Marie instructed clients in the arts of dance, acrobatics, and gymnastics. Many aspiring stars passed through the doors of the Hilbron studio; the June Taylor Dancers, as well as Joan Crawford, were known to have taken lessons there. After seven years at the studio, Marie decided that it was time for a change of air. She struck out on her own, moving to Miami, Florida, where she worked as a child-care provider. In 1945, Marie traveled back home to Chicago to attend her mother’s funeral. Once there, she fell in love with the city again and decided to stick around for a while.

Another reason for Marie to stay in Chicago arrived in the form of Dean Jarvis. Marie and Dean met at a dance club, located on the south side of Chicago. Instantly attracted to each other, the couple started a courtship which lasted for the next two years. In 1946, Dean and Marie became engaged, and soon friends and family were gathering to witness the couple’s nuptials. Once she was a wife, Marie decided to forsake her days in the working class and devote herself to being a homemaker. A talented cook, Marie loved simple, hearty foods: she was a “meat and potatoes girl.” She was especially known (and appreciated) for her chicken and spaghetti dishes. When she had a spare moment, Marie would indulge her somewhat eclectic television preferences – her tastes ranged from bull riding shows to Nascar races.

Marie was also known as a very stubborn woman – once she made up her mind, there was no changing it! However, this strength of personality served her and her family well in times of trouble. When Dean had a stroke, for example, she was the one who cared for him for over ten years. In 1981, the death of her husband left Marie a widow. While she remained in their long-time residence, Marie bought a second home in Paw Paw, Michigan. After another decade of Chicago life, Marie decided to move to Paw Paw permanently; she was eighty-eight at the time. Soon, however, it was necessary for Marie to become a resident of the Lakeview Continuing Care Center in Lawton. This particular facility allowed her to be closer to John Hilbron, and his wife, Tracy, who also lived in Lawton.

Retaining her individualistic, independent nature to the last, Marie Helen Jarvis died on March 9, 2004, at the Lakeview Continuing Care Center in Lawton, Michgian. She was ninety years old. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dean Jarvis; her brothers, Alfred, Bruce, and Cedric Hilbron; and her sister, Alma Hilbron.

Marie’s family includes her nephews, John (Tracy) Hilbron of Lawton, Raymond Rattary of Atlanta, Georgia, and Dan Rattary of St. Petersburg, Florida; and her nieces, Joan Rattary of St. Petersburg and Mary Lou Rattary of Huntsville, Alabama.

Friends may join the family for visitation from 1:30-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday at the Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home, M-40 South of I-94, Paw Paw (657-3870). Private graveside services will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Lawton, on Saturday. To read Marie’s complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to a charity of your choice, please visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com.

Marie will be lovingly remembered for her independent spirit as well as her core of inner strength.