Marilyn Ann (Vernon) Fitzpatrick, age 84, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Pontiac, Michigan, and spent most of her life in Ann Arbor, where she built a life centered on love, faith, and community. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, music was truly the language of her heart. She was an accomplished pianist and found great joy in singing in choirs, especially with the gospel choir One Voice, where her spirit and love of music shone brightly.

She was a woman who led by example, always lifting others up with kindness and unconditional love. Her smile could warm your soul, and she had a gift for making people feel seen, valued, and cared for. She had a deep love for animals, especially cats, and found comfort and joy in their companionship.

Her faith in God was a guiding force throughout her life. She was actively involved in Bible study groups and women’s retreats, where she formed meaningful connections and lived out her faith in both word and action.

On St. Patrick’s Day, her family gathered by her side, holding her hand and singing her favorite songs as she peacefully transitioned. It was a reflection of the love she gave so freely throughout her life.

She is survived by her daughters, Laura Fitzpatrick and Kelly Prudhomme (Mike Prudhomme), and her beloved grandchildren, Kristen Prudhomme, Matt Prudhomme, Grayson Spangenberg, and McKaia Spangenberg, aunt to Steve Thompson (Jeanine Thompson) and Greg Thompson (Cindy Thompson) who will carry forward her legacy of compassion, generosity, faith, and love.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Gwendolyn Thompson.

Her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched, and in the simple but powerful ways she showed what it means to care for others.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, donorservices.alz.org, or the Huron Valley Humane Society, hshv.org.