Marilyn Leven

Marilyn Remes Leven, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of the Grand Rapids community, passed away peacefully at the age of 93. Born on March 15, 1932, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to loving parents Julia and Ely Remes, Marilyn lived a life of purpose, generosity, and boundless energy.

A gifted student with an exceptional memory and tireless work ethic, Marilyn graduated from Aberdeen Elementary in 1946 and Creston High School in 1950, where she served as Junior Class Vice President and Valedictorian. She went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating with honors from the School of Education in 1954.

In 1953, Marilyn married her childhood sweetheart, Norman “Norm” Leven, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and mutual devotion. Together, they raised three children—Marc, Dan, and Cindy—instilling in them the same values of education, community service, and family that defined her own life. Her family grew to include Marc and Peggy Leven, Dan and Alison Leven, Cindy and Greg Bezella, as well as eight beloved grandchildren—Jessica and Courtney James, Joshua and Kelly Leven, Jordan and Patrick, Rachel, and Zachary—and five great-grandchildren: Madison, Kameron, and Emerson James, and Edison and Sawyer Leven.

Marilyn’s professional endeavors included part-time work in the Sales and Marketing Department at Cadence Newspaper in East Grand Rapids. But her life’s work extended far beyond a job title—she was a force in every community she touched.
Her passions included tennis, swimming, golf, synchronized swimming with the University of Michigan’s Mishifish team, organizing fitness programs, and arranging numerous social and golf activities. An avid bridge player, she also made three holes-in-one, including one at the remarkable age of 87.

Marilyn’s leadership and community involvement were extensive. She served as the first female President of Temple Emanuel, President of Temple Emanuel Sisterhood, President of the Hadassah Evening Group, and a member of multiple boards.

In 1985, she and Norm founded the Marilyn & Norman J. Leven Family Charitable Foundation, through which she established numerous scholarships, endowments, and philanthropic initiatives, including:

The Marilyn & N.J. Leven Community Enhancement Fund at Temple Emanuel

The Marilyn & N.J. Leven Annual Tuition Scholarship for the University of Michigan MBA Program

The Leven/Grant Student Project Center at Grand Valley State University

The Leven Family Jewish Federation Endowment Fund

The Challenge Scholars Fund at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Support for the Grand Rapids Public Museum

Contributions to the Ahavas Israel Cemetery Fund

She was also a major contributor to the Kent County United Way, the Grand Rapids Jewish Federation, and numerous other charitable causes.

Marilyn’s life was defined by her unwavering commitment to family, her passion for education and community, and her ability to inspire others through action. She will be remembered for her boundless energy, generous spirit, and the remarkable legacy she leaves behind.

Funeral services will be held at Temple Emanuel, 1715 Fulton St. East, Grand Rapids, on Monday, August 18, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods or a charity of choice.

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