Marilyn Saville

Marilyn J. Saville was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother and cherished friend. She was happiest with her family, yet because she was so sociable, friends and neighbors became family too. Small of stature, Marilyn was a big bundle of energy and joy. She was known for her openness and care, her warmth and hospitality. In her presence, everyone felt at home.

Marilyn was born on September 25, 1931 in Kalamazoo, Michigan at a time when families were trying to make life pleasant in the midst of difficult conditions. The daughter of Howard and Frances (Wagner) Bresson, Marilyn came of age during the Great Depression when money and jobs were scarce but people were resilient. They learned to do with very little and pulled together as a society. At home, they made their own entertainment, playing parlor and board games, listening to the radio and being inspired by President Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats. Such was a generation shaped by simplicity and sacrifice.

Family played an important role in Marilyn’s childhood. Her Aunt Jackie, who was a year older and lived just two doors down, formed her group of playmates along with Marilyn’s older sister Jo. They became known as the Bresson Trio, and with their grandparents owning Bresson Bakery on Portage Street in Washington Square, they gained some skills and experience helping at the bakery. Perhaps these surroundings contributed to the sweet tooth that Marilyn retained throughout her life.

In high school, Marilyn was friends with fellow classmate Lewis Saville, but the two didn’t date until after graduating from Kalamazoo Central in 1949. He was soon drafted into the Air Force and sent to England, but their relationship grew into love and commitment. On leave from the military, Lewis and Marilyn were married in Kanley Chapel on August 11, 1951. They moved to Tampa, Florida for the remainder of his term of duty, and Marilyn worked at the Sunday Times.

Upon Lew's discharge in 1953, the couple moved back to Kalamazoo and stayed in the home of Marilyn’s grandparents. The first home-of-their-own was on Lay Boulevard, and during that time, their four children were born. The family remained there until 1964 when they moved to a house they had built in Arcadia. Situated in a great neighborhood, Marilyn grew very fond of the place that became the family home for Kim, Karen, Amy and Dan. She made it all the more homey with tasty, wholesome meals and fresh baked goods that became standard fare each evening for dessert and snacks at any time. The cookie jar was always full, and on Sundays, the kids hustled through bath time in order to eat popcorn and drink pop as a special treat.

As a rule, Marilyn looked after the inside of the home and the outside was Lew's domain. It kept them very busy, but the rewards were worth it. With the house in tiptop condition at all times, neighbors knew they could drop in on the Saville home and they would be welcomed. Both Marilyn and Lew were very social and liked to entertain, yet they did so with simplicity and grace.

In 1989, the couple moved to North Lake in Gobles just prior to Lew's retirement as sales manager from Statler Ready Mix. He enjoyed it for the fishing and Marilyn was thrilled to be able to host their grandchildren every weekend in the summer. What a wonderful place for family to gather to swim, ski, have turtle races on the beach, play Crazy Rummy and just have fun together. It was also perfect for establishing a daily routine for Marilyn and Lew; they got into the habit of walking three miles a day.

Throughout her life, Marilyn remained close to her friends, especially her best friend Shirley Hoeksema, whom she had known since the 7th grade. Both she and Lew were very active in organizing their high school reunions and loved reconnecting with old friends. They also made new friends when they stayed on Anna Marie Island, Florida for a month every March. It was a compromise for the two of them, because she disliked winter intensely but he enjoyed ice fishing. Similarly, Lew golfed as a member of the Elks, but Marilyn would rather read or play cards. Give her a glass of red wine, a book and jazz or NPR on WMUK radio and Marilyn was content. Simple pleasures were the best.

When Lew died in 1999, Marilyn had to become more independent out of necessity. She was still strong and vigorous and became more confident over the years. She made a way of life for herself that brought her from the background into the forefront. With her friends, she was delighted to attend the theatre and other functions at the Gilmore, the Civic and Miller Auditorium. She continued to meet up with friends in Florida and remained a great cook and inviting host. Back home, she babysat a lot for the grandkids and often invited them to spend the night. Still young at heart, Marilyn played cards with them, went on boat rides or to the store to get sweets and ice-cream, and generally attended all of their school or sports activities. She loved her family and it showed.

In 2006, Marilyn moved to her current home and continued to enjoy life at a slower pace. Being diagnosed with celiac 30+ years ago, Marilyn struggled with many health issues. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's within the last three years, but because her son came to live with her and additional caregivers helped in the past 18 months, this allowed her to remain in her own home. Those who were with her day by day could see that Marilyn was stronger in many ways than was visible. That was the character of such a noble and loving woman as Marilyn Saville.

Marilyn J. Saville, age 83, died Sunday, October 26, 2014 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Saville. Members of her family include 4 children: Kim (Kyle) Townsend, Karen Jackson, Amy (David) Randall and Dan (Lisa) Saville; 7 grandchildren: Adam (Betsey) Jackson, Taylor Jackson, Ashlee Saville, Alex Webster, Matthew Townsend, Dustin Saville and Sarah Townsend; 2 great-grandchildren: Aubrey and Lucas Jackson; sister, Jo (Jerry) Hein; Aunt Jackie Acers and a sister-in-law, Pat Saville. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00AM -Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 375-2900 followed by a luncheon in the Life Story Center. 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 Southern Care Hospice or Alzheimer’s Association.