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.
