Marilyn McGandy Ryerse

Ryerse, Marilyn Lela (McGandy) "And ever has it been known that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation." It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother Marilyn Lela (McGandy) Ryerse, age 88, on June 12, 2020, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Marilyn was a resident of Friendship Village and lived in Edina, Minnesota and Naples, Florida. Marilyn was born on July 10, 1931 at Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis to Dr. Robert F. and Lela McGandy, and was raised in Edina, Minnesota, along with her brothers Dr. Robert B. McGandy and Douglas McGandy. She attended Wooddale School in Edina, and graduated from Northrop Collegiate School (now The Blake School) in 1949 where she was class president and a member of the drama, glee, world affairs, modern dance, awards, and public relations clubs. While attending the University of Minnesota, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, she met William (Bill) Carlisle Ryerse. They were married on September 21, 1951. Marilyn is survived by William (Bill), her devoted husband of 68 years; children Scott (Emily), Mary Dow (Allen Gooch) and Malcolm (Mary); was the loving grandmother of Katherine (David) Aafedt, Meghan (Evan) Feige, Michael, Davis Gooch (Abby), Grant, Adam and Luke, and the proud great-grandmother of Michael (Fuzz), Reese, Mac and Elodie. She is pre-deceased by her parents and two brothers. Marilyn was the matriarch of her family and always made the family her top priority. She was highly sociable and had an incredible gift of making people, from dear friends to bare acquaintances, feel comfortable, as though they were the only ones in the room. She always had a kind word for everyone. She was known by all to be a lovely woman and friend to all who met her. She was a tremendous role model to her children as a person who treated everyone with warmth, respect, empathy, class and humor and who had a deep understanding of the right way to treat others. In short, she was the glue that held us all together. Her favorite time was holding and cuddling each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as babies. She never missed a birthday and was a mentor to all her offspring, instilling in them her strong values. She was quick with a smile and an acknowledgment to everyone with whom she had contact. Marilyn had wide-ranging interests to which she devoted much time and energy. She was a camp counselor as a teen at Camp Hilloway and in Big Timber, Montana, and recalled her time there fondly. She served both as President of the Alumnae Association and a trustee of Northrup Collegiate School (now Blake) and volunteered for Abbott Northwestern Hospital Auxiliary. She was a fan and supporter of classical music including the Minnesota Orchestra. She loved parties, was fond of telephoning her friends to check on them, and relished opportunities to get together with the those in her social network. She was an avid gardener and voracious reader. She loved orchids, bunnies, manatees and the color blue. She adored yellow labradors, especially her long-time companion Chamois (she actually had 4, all named Chamois). She was a phenomenal cook, a hostess extraordinaire, a master at making lobster bisque, and loved to pass along her recipes to friends and family. Marilyn had a particular soft spot for strawberries and chocolate, all the better when served together. And despite appearances, she suffered for years with the agony of a bad back, and no one could ever tell how much pain she endured. We are grateful that she is now pain free. A family-only memorial service will be held per her wishes at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Edina. Memoriams may be directed to Marilyn's favorite organizations including: The Blake School, Abbott Northwestern Hospital Foundation, and St. Alban's Episcopal Church. It has been said that people may forget what you said and forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. There will be no end to missing her. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses on station 3100 East at Abbott Northwestern Hospital for their truly compassionate care. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy 100

Tributes

Marilyn McGandy Ryerse

July 10, 1931 - June 12, 2020

Tributes

Marilyn McGandy Ryerse

July 10, 1931 - June 12, 2020

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