Marilyn Borkowski

All who knew Marilyn Borkowski would agree that she was a woman who was genuinely beautiful on the inside and out. She always had a smile or a contagious laugh at the ready and was filled with a spirit of generosity coupled with unending compassion. Together with the love of her life, Marilyn was thrilled to welcome children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren into the fold, and it was when surrounded by loved ones that she found endless amounts of joy. It was clear to see by the way she lived that Marilyn was guided by her unwavering faith that was the reason for the joy in her heart as well as the strength that carried her through life’s challenges. Although she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home.

The Roaring Twenties were a decade to remember as innovation was taking us places we had never been. The refrigerator and the washing machine became irreplaceable additions to American homes while cars became more affordable thanks to the assembly line. There were over 500 commercial radio stations by the middle of the decade, which brought the world around us within our reach for the first time. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1925 that was filled with great joy for a young couple from Jackson, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl on May 24th. Marilyn was the middle of three children and the only daughter born to her parents, Francis and Ruth (Bryne) Diffenderfer, and she was raised in the family home alongside her brothers, Robert and Bernie.

In many ways Marilyn experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of the times. Her father worked for the railroad while her mother focused her attention at home. Marilyn was the apple of her father’s eye, and it was easy to see that she adored her father. As a young girl growing up in Jackson she attended St. Mary’s School, graduating in 1943. Marilyn then began working at a local bank during the days of WWII.

New and exciting changes were in store for Marilyn when she met the young man who stole her heart. His name was Henry Borkowski, and they were soon deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Marilyn and Henry eloped to Indiana where they exchanged their vows on June 10, 1946. They resided in Jackson, Michigan and welcomed three of their six children, Dave, Candie, and Steve.

After receiving some post war training at Pine Lake Training School just outside of Plainwell, the couple eventually moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan. They purchased a home on Kingsbury Drive, which is where they welcomed their last three children, Sue, Patti, and Jo. As a family the Borkowskis enjoyed taking summer vacations up in Curtis, Michigan, located in the Upper Peninsula where they rented a cabin that provided them with the opportunity to just get away from it all for a time. It was so refreshing to escape the everyday routines and just focus on reconnecting as a family in a completely new setting.

When in Kalamazoo, Marilyn met Elaine Boersma who was more like the sister she never had. There were many days picking various fruits for canning and jelly making and many garage sales were stopped at along the way. They talked and laughed every day. Marilyn’s life was further enriched when Kitty Ward joined the family. Marilyn admired Kitty and her sensible yet very humorous self. Kitty kept Marilyn’s hair neatly groomed, even in the years that it was more difficult. Laughter with Kitty and her family were never far away. Kitty was the one that the children were told to call if something ever happened to her.

In addition to her family, Marilyn’s church family at St. Joseph Catholic Church was a cornerstone in her life. She had a close circle of friends there and was a part of various activities such as fish fries, Sunday donuts, church bazaars, and helping with funeral lunches.

Over the years Marilyn’s journey was enriched in numerous ways. Once their children were older she and Henry enjoyed traveling more together including a memorable trip to Ireland. Marilyn was very social and enjoyed her wine and pizza on Friday nights with friends, hosting parties and family get togethers at their home, and taking camping trips with the Haskamps. She liked getting out of the house to work for 19 years at First of America Bank, and she was even working on the day that Kalamazoo was hit with the tornado. Marilyn was so thankful to have been safe, but she did take a piece of the marble building to keep as a reminder of that unforgettable day. As her family and friends can attest, she enjoyed shopping at Hudson’s, Gilmore Brothers, and Kohl’s later in life, and she was known to buy something only to try it on at home and then return it! As a dog lover there was always a dog around the house including her most recent dog, a Shih Tzu named Lucy. Marilyn developed a love for playing the slots and enjoyed going to the casinos. Her family was very appreciative of her baking skills as she made a variety of pies that were all fantastic. When it came to music, Marilyn was a fan of the oldies.

Although she was deeply saddened with Henry’s death in 1989, it was Marilyn’s faith and her close friends from church who lifted her up during the days, weeks, and months following his death. She was truly blessed by Joan Cramer and Rita Culver who greatly helped her during this time. Together they did so many things like heading down to Florida to escape the Michigan winters for many years. Marilyn always viewed her extended family to be the people of St. Joseph Parish.

During her sunset years Marilyn slowed down some. She moved in with her daughter, Jo, who was able to provide her with the extra help that she needed. When she came to require more help than her daughter could provide, Marilyn moved to Amber Place in the Heritage Community where she remained for the rest of her days.

Likable, nurturing, and faith-filled are just a few of the words that describe the extraordinary woman who Marilyn Borkowski was each and every day. She was a genuine caregiver who was devoted to serving the husband and children she viewed as a priceless treasure. Marilyn was the type of person who never had an unkind word to say about anyone, and her spirit of compassion extended to all who were within her reach. Marilyn was genuine and approachable with eyes that smiled, drawing others near with ease. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Marilyn Borkowski died on March 17, 2014, in Kalamazoo. Members of Marilyn’s family include her children: Dave, Candie, Steve, Sue, Patti, and Jo as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and brother, Bernie Diffenderfer. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband and her brother, Robert Diffenderfer. Learn more about Marilyn, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends on Thursday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 375-2900 where a prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial at Mt. EverRest Cemetery. Please visit Marilyn’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, archive a favorite memory or photo, and sign her guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or St. Joseph Church.