Obituary of Marilyn Mae Starr
Marilyn Starr, 89, of St Paul, formerly of Cambridge, passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at Prairie Senior Cottages in Isanti.
She was born December 20, 1928 in Cambridge, MN to Clifford and Cynthia (Babb) Starr.
Marilyn graduated from Cambridge High School in 1946 then attended St. Cloud University where she graduated with a degree in Physical Education. After college, Marilyn taught phy-ed in Cloquet, MN and then at Bethel College in St. Paul. She went on to get a Masters degree in Counseling in Greely, Colorado. In 1967, she took the position of Dean of Women at Bethel College where she continued to work until she retired in 1983.
After retirement, Marilyn worked with the Baptist General Conference in creating a program for retirees called BGC Gold, and coordinated and led many activities and trips all over the world.
Marilyn was a lover of the outdoors and nature all her life. She was an avid downhill skier, frequently skiing the mountains of Colorado with a group of friends and skiing the Swiss Alps several times. She loved sailing, hiking, canoeing and photography. She and good friend Margaret Hill owned a cabin on Lake Pokegama in Grand Rapids and enjoyed many years of water skiing, pontooning, fishing and relaxing with many friends who had cabins nearby.
In her later years, Marilyn lived at Scandia Shores in Shoreview where she made many friends and enjoyed walking, participating in endless activities, and singing in Scandia’s choir with her beautiful alto voice. In May of 2017, Marilyn moved to Prairie Senior Cottages in Isanti, MN, going back to the beloved area where she grew up. She became part of the loving family at the Cottages where she continued walking and participating in many activities…still singing her old favorites.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents Clifford and Cynthia (Babb) Starr, brothers George and Stanley Starr and lifelong friend Margaret Hill. She is survived by her sister-in-law Alice Starr of Cambridge, and many nieces and nephews.
Marilyn was a compassionate mentor and supporter to many students over the years. She was an influential leader and often stood up for women and others who were not able to have a voice at that time. She was a good friend to so many and the “fun-loving aunt” to her many nieces and nephews. Marilyn was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm on Monday, November 5, 2018 at First Baptist Church in Cambridge. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
