Marian Fisher: July 27, 2016. Sister of Colin Fisher and family. Daughter of the late Roy and Margaret Fisher. Also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. Memorial Service Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3633 W. Big Beaver, Troy. Read her online Obituary

There will be a reception with desserts coffee, and lemonade immediately following.  If anyone wishes to make a memorial gift to honor Marian in lieu of flowers, the two organizations are Michigan Humane Society and Northminster Presbyterian Church.  Marian has made a bequest in her trust for Camp Cavell.  Acknowledgements for the donation to the Humane Society or donations to Northminster can be sent to Northminster, C/O Marian Fisher Memorials, 3633 W. Big Beaver, Troy MI 48084. 

Memories of Marian Fisher:
From Barbara Esler:
Marian Lee Fisher was born on February 19, 1939, in Detroit and lived in the city until the conclusion of World War II. She, along with her brother, Colin, and parents, Roy Albert Fisher and Margaret MacDonald Fisher, moved to Troy, locating on John R just north of Big Beaver. During her school years, Marian began her ‘tradition’ of being involved in as many activities as possible. She graduated from Troy High School in June, 1957.

September, 1957, found Marian at the University of Michigan, but a bout with the Asian flu sent her home to recuperate. In September, 1958, Marian enrolled at Adrian College. However, not finding the courses there that she desired, she transferred to Alma College, from which she graduated with a degree in Sociology in 1962. She returned to Alma to complete her teaching credentials and, during that period, volunteered at the Masonic Home, visiting with the folk there and writing letters for them. During the summer, she worked with the children of migrant workers.

Marian’s first teaching jobs were in Clawson and nearby Rochester, as she was not yet driving. Later she taught early elementary grades in several school districts in the Midland area. Returning to Troy because of her father’s ill health, she started a long period of working with pre-school children through co-op nurseries, one at Northminster, and then Rainbow Preschool until her retirement. During this period, too, she returned to school and studied nursing. However, she was unable to complete this program and graduate because of her shaky hands, a family heritage. Many weekends found her camping in Michigan and Canada, often accompanied by young people she had baby-sat and neighbors. She had also developed an interest in photography through a group she joined at Kensington Metro Park. The rangers at many of the Michigan state parks knew her well and would direct her to special wild flowers which she would photograph, resulting in her beautiful collection of close-up slides.

I met Marian on her first visit to Camp Cavell, a volunteer weekend, and we shared a cabin. We soon found many of our interests were similar: camping, knitting, music, photography, crafts, and the list goes on. Since her mother was, by that time, in failing health and no longer able to accompany Marian on many trips, we soon found ourselves doing things together in addition to our volunteer work at Camp Cavell. She introduced me to Northminster Church, where Beth Jones invited me into the choir, to Paint Creek Folklore Society, and a number of her special photography locations. When the house, belonging to my son, had an opportunity to be sold, Marian invited me to move in with her and share expenses. Over the many years we lived together, I was glad I was available for several emergencies and ultimately able to adjust my working schedule to provide transportation to her various appointments, etc., after she was no longer driving herself.

It was with regret that I felt it necessary to retire from my job in Sylvan Lake and make a permanent move to Georgia, to be close to my daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. That family support has already provided me with the opportunity to have a total hip replacement. However, Marian and I were in close touch until her final two months, frequently talking three and four times in one day. I was actually trying to phone her the evening that she died, being unaware she was in such serious condition. I sorry I am not in Michigan for her memorial service, but it would be too long a drive for me to make alone and my son-in-law’s health concerns prevent daughter, Becky, from driving up with me to make it possible.

From Nora & Dennis Cecil:
And the whole Gang – Josh, Leah, Avery, Jessica, Mike, Liam, Nolan, Jenni, Giuliana & Adam:
We were lucky enough to share some time with Marian, last October, when our family participated in the Halloween Weekend. My husband and I sat with, and enjoyed a lengthy conversation with Marian. She shared many memories and her history with Camp Cavell. It was obvious just how much she loved and enjoyed the camp, and how dear her “Camp Cavell family” was to her! She proudly told us the story of how she donated her father’s beautiful fireplace grate that adorns the dining hall’s gorgeous fireplace. After we said our goodbyes, I would glance at her from our table. She sat in a cozy chair directly in front of the crackling fire, allowing her gaze to transport her from one lovely memory to another until she fell fast asleep! It was an absolutely precious and heartwarming site! Camp Cavell, and the loving people there, embraced Marian’s life in such a priceless and wonderful way! It was plain to see that she was in her happy place, and now, I’m sure her beautiful spirit will forever watch over all of us, at Camp Cavell!! Rest in Heavenly peace, sweet lady!