Marilyn Ann Maguire

Marilyn A. Maguire, age 91 of Roseville, passed away December 19, 2024.

Marilyn was born and raised in Hobart, IN and kept her Hoosier character her entire life. After graduating from Hobart High School, she joined the Navy, unusual for a woman back in the day. She began her tour out west and met and married Norm, the love of her life. After stints in Seattle and Honolulu, they settled in Southern Minnesota where Marilyn began her role of raising their five children.

Marilyn made every day special for her family, providing freshly made meals, treats, and the loving care necessary to help her family grow physically, emotionally and spiritually. While her day-to-day activities were noteworthy, Marilyn really upped the ante at holiday time. The house would go from ghosts, goblins and homemade trick or treat costumes, to turkeys and horns of plenty seamlessly. Shortly after, the candles, decorations, and fresh cut tree competed with the intoxicating aroma of a myriad of cookies and treats as she served friends, neighbors and coworkers. Through the years, if ever one of our friends was an 'orphan' at the holidays, or any day, we knew that they were welcome at her table, as no one was to be alone. We had Hallmark Movie Christmases long before cable TV was a thing.

Not content to give her family all we could ask for, Marilyn was an active volunteer. She was a big part of her local church, teaching catechism for years, singing in choirs, serving on the parish council and being a Eucharistic Minister. If a scout or 4H group needed a leader, she was there. If a cast party needed to be thrown after a play, she was the host. Carpools? Done. Phone trees? Done. Marilyn left nothing undone as we grew up. 

If that was Marilyn's only legacy that would be enough for many, but she was only getting started. Once the kids were grown, Marilyn devoted herself to her work at Hamline University. Over the years, she climbed the ladder to become the director of scheduling. You couldn’t go on campus without running into someone who loved Marilyn. It wasn't just the work she did, it was the personal connections she made with students and staff. If there was a situation which needed to be addressed, mom did just that. She was a strong defender of those unable to defend themselves and made quite a name for herself at Hamline. 

She remained steadfast in her volunteer work well into her eighties. Her church was the beneficiary of many hours of her time, as well as Birthright, serving as an advisor at Hamline, and even being on the tenant advocacy board at her new home in Roseville.  

Her generosity with her time and her contributions to causes were exemplary. She always said she was so blessed in her life that she needed to share it with others. And she did it whether it was contributions to charities, counseling soon to be married couples, or just providing some home baked treats to neighbors and friends. She really walked the walk. 

Marilyn will be missed by all of us who were lucky enough to know her. She wanted to be “remembered as a person who cared for others and volunteered her time to help her family, community and church”. These were not idle words; rather they were words she lived by. She led by example and in so doing raised five children who continue to honor her goals. Marilyn set a high bar: If we wake up every day and do our best for our family, community and church, the world will be a better place for all, and Marilyn will be smiling down on us from Heaven. 

And because it is Marilyn and who we are, if you do all that with a home cooked meal, or a tray of baked goodies, it can make all the difference in the world.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Norm; and two brothers, Stew and Bob.

She is survived by her siblings, John, Dave, and Kathy; five children; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn's life will be celebrated at a Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 AM Friday, January 3 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 2090 N. Hamline Ave., Roseville. Visitation at the church from 9-10 AM Friday. Luncheon to immediately follow the service.

Private family interment at Roselawn Cemetery.

Marilyn will be missed and celebrated by all who knew her.

Memorials preferred to St Rose of Lima Catholic Church, The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, MN, or the Roseville Parks and Recreation-Muriel Sahlin Arboretum.