Marilyn Jean Manning, 77, passed away on December 19, 2019 in Rochester Hills, MI. She was born in Ann Arbor, MI on September 25, 1942, and was the daughter of Robert J. Aitken and Dorothy M. (Reierstad) Aitken. She was preceded in death by her sister, Judy A. Duffendack; and is survived by her husband of 55 years, Peter C. Manning; and her sister, Linda S. Aitken.
Growing up in Ann Arbor, MI, Marilyn attended Eberwhite Elementary School, Slauson Junior High School and Ann Arbor High School. While in high school, Marilyn was an accomplished athlete/swimmer, competing in and winning almost every contest she entered up to and including the state backstroke championship. Marilyn also played the violin in the AAHS and was active in the AAHS Choir.
After graduating from Ann Arbor High School in 1960, Marilyn attended Michigan State University, where she met and married her husband, Pete. She graduated in 1964, earning her degree from the school of Arts and Letters with a concentration in teaching and languages. She then enrolled in Wayne State University and completed the classwork requirements for teaching languages, concentrating in Spanish and French. She went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Oakland University.
While completing her academic endeavors, she taught languages briefly at Utica High School. She left Utica to join Capac High School where she taught languages until she earned her Master’s Degree in counseling and assumed the position of School Counselor. She continued her career at Capac High School for more than 17 years, retiring in 1995.
Marilyn was an animal lover and raised horses for several years. For many years she managed five horses, and even ventured into the world of racing, sending one of her horses to the track for a short period of time. Dogs and cats were always part of her life on the farm.
Marilyn loved to sing and participated in choirs in high school and college, and was also an active participant in an established Rochester Hills-based choir for several years. In addition, she excelled in all types of arts and crafts, and was an exceptional knitter. Over the years, Marilyn volunteered her time in several activities, including Leader Dogs for the Blind, in Rochester Hills, MI.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind, 1039 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307.
