Marilyn M. Boland

Marilyn Boland, age 93, longtime resident of Northville, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 30, 2022.  She was born on October 30, 1928 in West Allis, Wisconsin; daughter of Laurence and Margaret (Mueller) Hart.  Marilyn was united in marriage to Daniel Boland on June 13, 1953 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; they spent 58 years devoted to one another until his death on February 10, 2012.

She grew up in West Allis, Wisconsin as the 2 ^nd oldest in a family of 8 children, 2 parents in a small 3-bedroom house.  Caring for others and family became a theme and necessity early on in her life.  She gladly helped to care for her siblings and parents as their health failed.   Her passion for hard work and serving others continued as she also worked at numerous orphanages caring for newborns and homeless kids while working full time on a truck farm and her smaller family farm.  She further helped the family by commuting and working for the Harley Davidson family at their residence.

Marilyn worked as an executive assistant to her husband’s successful Manufacturer’s rep business. She later served the Northville Public Schools in the food services area specializing in food preparation for the special needs students.

Marilyn actively served within Our Lady of Victory Parish in many roles. She attended mass multiple times weekly, worked as an Our Lady’s League Officer, worked funeral luncheons, cleaned the church, served as an Eucharistic Minister and many other services within the church.  Her active faith was inspiring to her family and friends.

While serving her faith, raising five kids, and caring for her home, Marilyn also cared for and helped the elderly.  For over 50 years in the Northville/Novi communities she consistently helped at Allen Terrace, Star Manor and other facilities with food, communion, praying the rosary, trips for medical care and other needs.  She also served as a member of the Parent Teacher Association, was a United Foundation representative and was a frequent Red Cross blood donor.

Marilyn left a great and honorable legacy.  She was a loving, caring mom, wife, grandmother and great grandmother who loved and helped anyone in need.  A resident of Northville since 1958, she was a pillar of the Boland family, Northville Community, Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and multiple ministries.  Marilyn’s passion, devotion & love for family, Catholic faith, gardening and selfless care of others was exemplary.

She will be sorely missed by ALL who had the great fortune of knowing her.  Her mantra was “it takes people to make people happy.”   Her life themes include loving, service to her family, church and community along with an incredibly contagious and deep Catholic faith.

Marilyn is survived by her sons, Joe (Lynn) Boland, John (Lisa) Boland, and Dan (Marianne) Boland, Jr.; her son-in-law, Brian Watterson; her brothers, Dave (Ginny) Hart and Mike (Diane) Hart; her grandchildren, Garrett (Maria) Smith, Brad (Trystica) Smith, Janelle Smith, Mallie (Corey) Schaefer, Anna Kate Watterson, MacKenzie Watterson, Dan (Brittany) Boland, Megan Boland, Kate (Michael) Masen, Marie Boland, David Boland, and Kaitlin Boland; her great grandchildren, Brody, Colten, Logan, Easton, Carson, Ellaryn, Addison, Remi, Charlotte, and Lila.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her daughter Margie Watterson, her daughter Kathy Smith, her parents, 3 sisters, and 2 brothers.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 4, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., in state beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville.  Mrs. Boland will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery.

IIn lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church , 133 Orchard Drive, Northville, MI 48167 or the American Cancer Society , 2000 Town Center, Southfield, MI 48076.

Your legacy will forever live on and your example of how to live life, work hard and care for others will remain with us forever and ever.