Marion Walsh

Marion Hilles Walsh died peacefully at her daughter’s home in Grand Ledge, Michigan on June 17, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on June 13,1926 in her parents’ home in Elmhurst, Illinois, Marion was the younger of two children of Charles W. Burger and Grace B. (Franklin) Burger. After attending York Community High School in Elmhurst where she became an accomplished flute player, Marion studied first at DePauw University and then at the University of Michigan, graduating with a bachelors degree in 1947 and a masters degree in economics in 1948. Marion moved to Lansing, Michigan in the early 1950's and spent the rest of her life in the Lansing area. After a number of years as a homemaker, she pursued graduate studies in economics at Michigan State University in the 1960's and then taught economics as a member of the faculty at Lansing Community College until her retirement in 1996. Marion was a strong, independent woman with a thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity. She remained in good health throughout her life and proudly lived in her own home until she was 99 years old. Beginning in the 1940's, Marion was a lifelong member of the Democratic party and supporter of liberal causes. She served as vice president of the local NAACP chapter in the early 1950's, and as President of the Lansing Community College faculty union when it went on strike in the 1970's. She was an early and enthusiastic supporter of women's rights, making her an inspiration to many younger women including many of her children’s friends. Marion was for many years an active member of the Unitarian Church of Greater Lansing, serving on multiple committees and as President of the Church. She also served on the Board of Directors of CASE Credit Union. Marion was a proud co-founder and member of the White River Beach Association, a summer resort association on Lake Michigan, where she served terms as a Director and as President, and where she spent many summer days enjoying the company of friends and family. Marion was an active retiree into her 90’s, until health considerations slowed her down, serving as a docent at the Michigan Historical Museum and at the Kresge Art Museum, and doing volunteer work with AARP and the Prime Time Senior Center in East Lansing. Marion enjoyed traveling in her retirement, and was a voracious reader throughout her life, accumulating a sizable and diverse personal library. Marion was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Grace Burger, by her sister Fran Brooks, by her brother-in-law Bill Brooks and by her niece Lynn Brooks. She is survived by her children Tom Walsh of Chicago, Illinois, Rick Walsh of Boulder, Colorado, and Karen (Louie) Kafantaris of Grand Ledge, as well as by her grandchildren Kellie Kafantaris, Chris (Tina) Kafantaris, Luke Walsh, and Joni Walsh, by her great-grandson Elias Kafantaris, by her niece Kathy (Ron) Carlson, and by her long-time friend Mary Stewart. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to WKAR, the Greater Lansing Food Bank or the charity of your choice.