Marilyn Faye St. Germain

Marilyn (Cunningham) St. Germain, age 90, passed away on May 23, 2024 in the Traverse City farm home she was raised in. She was lovingly supported by her family and her Hospice team. Marilyn Cunningham brought abundant joy to Lawrence Cunningham and Alyce Lambert-Cunningham on February 11, 1934. Alyce bragged that Marilyn sang before she walked. Marilyn experienced a lifelong love for singing and appreciating music. Marilyn graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1952. She was active in Choir and Drama in school and loved performing. For decades, Marilyn joyfully participated in choirs in her church, with Sweet Adelines, or performed in her town's theater productions. Following high school, Marilyn moved to Flint for a job with Michigan Bell. One night,in a local bar, she met her love - John St. Germain. They married in three months, on Marilyn's 22nd birthday. John and Marilyn were married 57 years; John preceded Marilyn in death. Recently, Marilyn said, "I miss John". When asked what she missed the most, she replied, "Making out". Marilyn was also preceded in death by her parents, her sisters: Carolyn Cunningham Janousek, Sharon Cunningham LaMarche, and Lois Marie Cunningham. Marilyn's daughter's death (Mari-Ann Birdsong) broke Marilyn's heart and she spoke of her daughter almost daily. Many other family members, loved ones, and dear friends passed away over the years. Marilyn's vascular dementia eventually kept her from recalling the pain of those heartbreaking moments and maybe that's all that vascular dementia is good for. Marilyn is survived by her four sons: John (Jean) St. Germain, Jerome (Johanna) St. Germain, Christopher (Mel) St. Germain, and Matthew (Jenee) St. Germain - one daughter: Caron (Jim) Alpers - and one son-in-law, Alfred Birdsong. An element of Marilyn remains in her 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. They are her continuation. Her nieces and nephews also carry on the Cunningham Girls' legacy. Marilyn fondly recalled singing in harmony with her sisters and later with her sisters' children. Marilyn loved to sing harmony - the part of contrast. It's now her time to sing the melody - the Angels' Choir has been waiting for their chorister. Marilyn's family thanks everyone who spent time with her, called, sent cards, offered support and kindness, and prayed for her. We appreciate you. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 15, 2024, 10:00 am at St. Michael Catholic Church, Grand Ledge by Father James Eisele. Rite of Committal will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Grand Ledge. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8:00 pm at the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge and Saturday at the church from 9:30-10:00 am. Memorial contributions may be given to the St. Michael School Endowment Fund, 345 Edwards Street, Grand Ledge, Michigan 48837 (https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/Giving/stm345273/SCHOOLK8). Share your memories and condolences online at www.holihanatkin.com

Marilyn Faye St. Germain

February 11, 1934 - May 23, 2024