Marilyn Gersonde

Marilyn “Momo” Gersonde, of St. Joseph, passed Friday, Sept. 2, 2016.  Your presence will be greatly appreciated for a time of visitation on Friday September 9, 2016, from 5:00-7:00P.M., at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph.  Those wishing to sign Marilyn’s Memory Book online may do so at  www.starksmenchinger.com Marilyn was born October 27, 1933 in St. Joseph to Harry & Dorothy (Bishop) Hahn.    She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1951.  Marilyn received her degree in education from Michigan State University in 1955.  After teaching in Gross Pointe, Michigan for a year she returned to St. Joseph and taught second grade at Jefferson Elementary School. After a short teaching career, she spent many years raising her seven children.   She loved the outdoors and had a special appreciation for the beach.  A perfect day for Momo would begin with a morning walk, a few hours working in her garden, a delicious meal with her family followed by a beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan.   During her illness she was overwhelmed with the generosity of others. She received many thoughtful wishes through cards and letters, handmade hats and blankets, homemade cookies, plants and flowers, and the warm company of friends and family. Marilyn is survived by her husband of more than 60 years, John Gersonde; her children, Eric (Becky) of Birmingham, MI, Kristen (AJ Schulz) of Sarasota, FL, Jon (Lynn) of Anguilla, Kevin (Meg) of Annapolis, MD, Kurt of Traverse City, MI, Heidi Sodetz (Bill) of Dillon, CO., and Peter (Teri) of St. Joseph; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her brother, Robert (Janet) Hahn; and many more family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Corrine Hahn.