Marilyn Dean (Borglin) Kennedy

Her Legacy… Marilyn Dean Kennedy, 91, died peacefully on October 2, 2025. She was born in Streator, Illinois, to Stanley and Ruth (Black) Borglin. Her father passed away when she was six years old, and her mother, as a single parent, moved to Michigan to work at the Bomber Plant. During that time, Marilyn stayed with her grandparents and other relatives on their farm in Illinois, an experience she always treasured. Once her mother was able, she brought Marilyn to Ann Arbor, where she attended Ann Arbor High School and formed a wonderful group of lifelong friends.

Marilyn later retired from Michigan Medicine. In her spare time, she enjoyed being outdoors, especially gardening and watching the birds from her back window. She loved and trusted in God unconditionally and was an active member of Holy Spirit Church of Hamburg, as well as St. Patrick’s Church of Brighton in her earlier years, where she made many caring friends.

Her Family… Marilyn is survived by her children, Michael Dean and Cathy Dean Smashey; her stepdaughter, Pam Kennedy of Illinois; and her grandchildren, Jessi Smashey (Dillon Herman) of Connecticut, Larry Smashey, and Samantha Smashey. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Sterling Brooks Jr., Liyana Simmons, and Peyton and Blake Herman, all of whom she adored.

She was preceded in death by her two beloved husbands, John P. Dean and Robert Vix Kennedy; her parents, Stanley and Ruth Borglin; and her stillborn daughter, Holly Dean.

Her Legacy of Faith and Love… Marilyn’s family and friends will gather Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (7:00 PM Rosary), at Borek Jennings Funeral Homes, Hamburg, Michigan. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM preceded by a gathering beginning at 10:00 AM, located at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, in Brighton, Michigan. Father Jonathan Perrotta will serve as celebrant. Memorial Contributions are suggested to Pregnancy Help in Brighton and St. Vincent de Paul at Holy Spirit.  Please leave a message of comfort for Marilyn’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign her guestbook at www.borekjennings.com. 

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