Marilyn A. Emerson

Marilyn A. Emerson of Indianapolis, passed away July 13, 2018.  Marilyn was born January 29, 1931, in Holton, Kansas, the first daughter of H.E. “Eddie” and Bernyce Shadoan Kling.  She attended public schools in Holton, and in Fort Wayne and Angola, Indiana.  Marilyn graduated from Angola High School in 1949 as Salutatorian of the class.  She then attended Tri-State College and Indiana University.  On June 17, 1951, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Andrew C. Emerson, and they remained relentlessly devoted to one another for 67 years, until her death.

To this union was born four sons: Daniel Craig (Ginny); Mark Sherman (Debbie); John Andrew, all of Indianapolis; and Michael Avery (Genny) of Chicago.  They also have nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Marilyn was a member of First Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church and of Casas Adobes Congregational Church of Tucson, Arizona. She was always an enthusiastic and able volunteer and leader.  Some of her leadership positions were as President of the Women’s Association of First Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church; President and Board Member of Crossroads Volunteer Association; President and Board Member of the School 84 and Broad Ripple High School PTAs; President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Triangle Fraternity Mother’s Club at Purdue; and Board Member of Indiana State Bar Association Lawyers Auxiliary. She also served as an extraordinarily capable volunteer for Meridian Street Methodist Pre-School, Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association, the Crossroads Volunteer Association, and numerous other civic and charitable organizations.

Andy and Marilyn were intrepid travelers, visiting all 50 states, 28 foreign countries, and four continents. Marilyn also was an avid reader and had a lively wit, with a particular facility for puns and other wordplay. She was very fond of people, and routinely became well-acquainted after a most casual encounter. She also was a committed gardener who took great pride in her flower beds and kept up her horticultural routine until recently.  Most importantly, as one of her granddaughters observed, “She gave the greatest hugs.” She was a beacon of love and warmth; and will be sorely missed.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 27 at Flanner Buchanan-Broad Ripple, where family and friends are invited to gather from 11:00 am until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School or The Orchard School.  Please visit flannerbuchanan.com to sign the online guest register.