1932 ~ 2024
SUTTONS BAY Marilyn Russa (Hadley) Dickinson, 91, of Suttons Bay, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Marilyn was born September 20, 1932, in Rensselaer, Indiana, the middle daughter of Russell Vernon Hadley and Irene (Whitsel) Hadley. On July 2, 1955, in Rensselaer, Indiana she married Charles E. Dickinson, her dance partner through life for 62 years. Marilyn graduated from Michigan State University in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Upon graduation Marilyn purchased her first car and drove across the country on Route 66 to start her career as a firstgrade teacher in Brea California. In the Spring of 1955, her college sweetheart called to propose. Charles E. Dickinson and Marilyn R. Hadley were married in her hometown on July 2, 1955. They spent their honeymoon driving to Ft. Devens, Massachusetts, where Mr. D finished his military training and was shortly thereafter sent to serve in Germany. Marilyn joined her husband in Germany, teaching first grade on the military base for two years. Upon return to the U.S., she received her masters degree in education from Michigan State University. “Mr and Mrs D,” as they were affectionately known, lived a life of true love side by side. Marilyn was a first-grade teacher for over 40 years, teaching thousands of kids to read.
She taught in East Lansing and St Joe Michigan; rural Indiana, and in the Chicago area before settling with her family and husband permanently in Harbor Springs, Michigan in 1975. The D’s were dedicated educators who lived by example. Marilyn was a member of the Sweet Adelines and The Harbor Barberettes quartet. She loved music and dancing. Marilyn was known for her sweet personality and added a touch of class to everything around her.
She was also a hard worker. When not teaching she ran Mr. D’s tennis pro shop where she made and sold tennis dresses and helped run the summer recreation program at Wequetonsing. The front porch at their home on the bluff in Harbor Springs was always filled with guests. Visitors were welcomed from near and far with a smile, a bad joke from Mr. D, and the best cheese and crackers. She hosted all of her 12 nieces and nephews for at least one full summer, a bed could always be found for those who wanted to stay. There are not enough words to describe the positive impact the D’s had on those who crossed their path.
In 1991, the D’s decided to retire and moved to their waterfront home on Suttons Bay. You could find them dancing in the kitchen while they prepared dinner or sitting on Marilyn’s glider watching the sunset, enjoying a generous bowl of ice cream. Nothing was more important to Mrs. D than family. Her children and grandchildren were the joy of her life! She will be sorely missed by all. Dance on Mr. and Mrs. D!
Marilyn is survived by her children; Charles David (Beth) Dickinson, of Harbor Springs; Richard Douglas (Kim) Dickinson, of Harbor Springs; Amy Lynn Dickinson, of Holland; Hadley Ann ( John) Dickinson, of Suttons Bay; sister Carilyn Padgitt; her grandchildren, Nick Dickinson (Danielle), Jake Dickinson, Kjeil Dickinson, Kobe Dickinson; Mikayla Dickinson, Aaron Ellis, Taylor Dickinson, Luke Dickinson; Sophia Collins (Jack), Corinne Vukasovich, Samuel Vukasovich; Great grandson Oliver James; grandpuppies Charlie and Cody, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Charles; her parents; sister Madilyn Hadley Grigsby of Wilmington, N.C.; brother-in-law Jack Grigsy; Sisterin- law Janice Pendelton of Tonawanda, NY; and brother-in-law Hank Pendelton. A musical celebration of life was held Saturday, July 6 at 3 p.m. at Suttons Bay Congregational Church. An ice cream social followed on the porch.
Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.
