LIFESTORY:

With a sparkle in her eye that was impossible to miss, Marilyn Admave was the heartbeat of wherever she was. She was one of the sweetest people around, and she loved sharing stories of times gone by. All who knew Marilyn can attest to the fact that she adored her husband with whom she shared a marriage that most can only dream of. She was a devoted mother who treasured this role, but she just may have argued that becoming a grandmother was the role of a lifetime. Guided by an unwavering faith, Marilyn was never overbearing in her beliefs, but she also didn't shy away from sharing with others the reason for the joy in her heart. She will be forever missed.

The 1930s were blanketed by the Great Depression that caused great strife not only in America, but throughout the world. Jobs became difficult to come by, which caused the unemployment rate to soar, leaving cities, communities, and families to do whatever they could to weather the storm. Despite the trying times around them, a young couple from Galt, Ontario, Canada, was able to shift their focus to a joyous time in their own lives with the birth of their healthy baby girl on August 19, 1935. Marilyn A. was the only child born to her parents, George and Lillian (Cromwell) Christie, and when she was a young girl her family moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Her father worked in the shipyards there while her mother was a homemaker.

In many ways Marilyn experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of her generation. She attended local schools in Jacksonville where she was an outgoing student who made friends with ease. Like many other young girls who lived in Florida, Marilyn loved going to the beach. It was also while growing up that she discovered a love for crafts that would remain with her throughout her entire life.

New and exciting changes were in store for Marilyn when she met the young man of her dreams. He was a handsome young man named Reginald Admave, and they met at Joe's and Molly's Bar. Sparks flew right from the start, and they soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Marilyn and Reg became husband and wife in 1960. Since he was a career Navy man, she affectionately referred to him as her "sailor." They started a family right away, and together they welcomed four children into their hearts and home: Christine, William, Steve, and Carol. Reg was an aircraft mechanic who worked on the carriers while Marilyn was able to stay at home to care for their children. Since the Navy took him all over the country, they eventually settled in the Hartford, Michigan, however later both settled in Florida.

Throughout her life Marilyn experienced countless things that enriched her life. While living in Florida both she and Reg loved riding motorcycles complete with the biker jacket, too. They also enjoyed Cypress Gardens, especially the ski shows. Once her children were grown Marilyn earned her degree as a nurse's aid, and she worked at a local nursing home where she loved caring for others. She also worked as a cashier, and prior to being married she worked for State Farm. Marilyn liked tending to her plants and flower gardens, and with her own artistic flair she was into drawing and doing water colors, mainly of animals. She looked forward to getting her hair done and never could turn down a Singapore Sling, ice cream, or sweets of any kind. When it came to music, Marilyn was a fan of Johnny Cash and country music in general in addition to church music. When grandchildren arrived Marilyn couldn't have been happier, and she savored every moment she had to spend with them. Her cat, Snowball, was also a treasured companion.

Life was not always easy for Marilyn, however, she took whatever came her way in stride. She was deeply saddened with Reg's death just over ten years ago, but she drew strength from her faith during the weeks, months and years that followed. Marilyn treasured her Bible and loved quoting scripture with John 3:16 being her favorite verse. After her husband's death Marilyn stayed connected with a church on a more regular basis. She moved to Riverview Manor almost six years ago, which allowed her to be closer to her family. Although she suffered with dementia, Marilyn kept busy doing word searches and crosswords, and as a longtime fan of Tom Selleck she recently told people that they were getting married.

Throughout her rich and rewarding life, Marilyn Admave lived life to the fullest each day while holding her loved ones near. She loved being at home more than anywhere else, especially when she was surrounded by her sailor, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Marilyn was a stranger to none and a friend to all who never had an unkind word to say about anyone. She will be missed for her stories, her contagious zest for life, and her timeless wisdom, but most of all she will be missed for her unending love.

Marilyn Admave, formerly of Jacksonville, Florida, died on March 13, 2014, in Three Rivers. Marilyn's family includes her 4 children: Christine (Dewayne) Decker, William (Donna) Admave, Steve (Shannon) Admave, and Carol (Steve) Davis; and many grand and great-grandchildren. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Reginald "Reg" Admave. Services will be held Monday 11:00 a.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home-Betzler 6080 Stadium Dr. Kalamazoo- 375-2900 with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Following the service, a luncheon will be served in the Life Story Center. Please visit Marilyn's personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice.