Marilyn Pitler

Marilyn Pitler passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 5. She was 91.

Marilyn was born Marilyn Kachman to Morris and Betty Kachman on December 28, 1929 in Pittsburgh, PA. She attended Pennsylvania College for Women to study music. She had one beloved brother Daniel.

Music was in the home always, and Marilyn could burst into song for any occasion. She married her beloved Marshall in 1954. Together they opened several music stores in State College PA called The Music Room, which they had for several years. Up and coming music stars, including Steve Lawrence and Bobby Darin would come to the Music Room to promote their records. Both Marilyn and Marshall loved the theater, and performed, directed or worked on many performances in various civic theaters while living in Indiana, Massachusetts and finally Michigan. She and Marshall moved to Grand Rapids in 1996.

She was most proud of her family and she loved them with all her heart. Family always and forever came first.

Marilyn loved working retail and her last position before retiring was as a fine jewelry associate at MJ Diamonds in Livonia, MI. She was known as “The lady with the sparkles.”

Marilyn will be remembered for her generous and fun nature, her musical and vocal talents, theatrical presence, and her gracious hospitality, always making people feel so special. She was the life of any party. Her trademark red hair and red lipstick will be remembered by all who knew her.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her loving husband Marshall Pitler. They were married for 46 years. She is survived by her children Sharon (David) Cores and Linda (Gregg) Zizos, her grandsons Scott Cores, Alex Cores and Christopher Zizos, her brother Daniel (Renee) Kachman and many nieces and nephews.

The family sends a special appreciation to caregiver Shon who so lovingly provided care, and Spectrum Health Hospice at Home

Due to COVID a private funeral and burial are taking place. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested at the following:

Temple Emanuel Music Fund at Temple Emanuel, 1715 E. Fulton, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 456 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 Jewish Preschool of Lexington, 9 Burlington St., Burlington, Massachusetts, 02420.

May her memory be for an eternal blessing.

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