Marjory Estelle Battle's Obituary
Marjory E. Battle, a longtime resident of Midland, Michigan and recent resident of Grand Haven, Michigan died peacefully on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at The Leila & Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence. She was 92.
Marjory met Leonard C. Battle at the University of Michigan in a German class. They married on a beautiful, sunny, winter day in December, 1953 at St. Paul Catholic Church on the Lake in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. They moved to Midland in 1961 where Leonard served as the assistant prosecuting attorney for Midland County prior to starting his own private practice in 1967. During those early years, Marjory was the president for both the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and Lawyers’ Wives of Midland. They were married for 62 years until the death of Leonard in 2015. Together, they raised six children who survive her; namely, David (Vitaliya), Tracy (Dale), Tom (Karen), Patricia (John), John, and Mary (Matthew). In addition, she is survived by 18 beloved grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Marjory graduated from Grosse Pointe High School and earned her B.A. in German from the University of Michigan. In addition, she received her master’s degree from Indiana University and also completed an additional 45 credit hours to further her professional career in Education. Well-versed in multiple languages, she is widely remembered for teaching English and Social Studies at St. Brigid Catholic School as well as Spanish, German, and French for the Midland Public Schools. Marjory and Leonard would put their joint love of languages to use as they travelled to Europe annually in their retirement years.
Marjory’s other passion—outside of her family and languages—was her pure love of sports. She often said that her one regret is that she did not live her younger years in the age of professional female sideline reporters. For Marjory, there was no box score unread or player/coach backstory unheard. Her love of Detroit sports and the University of Michigan was unparalleled.
But what she is truly remembered for was her ability to connect with people of all ages. She was the consummate advocate of the underdog and the under-represented. She was the cheerleader for those who may have lost their courage or those who had the audacity to dream their dreams. Marjory was there to encourage you in whatever life’s opportunities or misfortunes came your way. Always a guiding force to prop you up and help steady your feet.
Marjory was a devout Roman Catholic who lived her faith daily. She and Leonard raised their family in the faith and educated their children at St. Brigid school in Midland where she dedicated her time and talents to the parish.
Due to the COVID pandemic and health-compromised members of her immediate family, her children had to make the difficult decision to hold a private funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Church in Grand Haven celebrated by Fr. Charles Schwartz. Marjory will be buried next to her husband, Leonard, in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Midland, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or St. Brigid School (www.stbrigid-midland.org) in Midland, Michigan. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Service, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
Marjory's funeral Mass will be live streamed at the following https://youtu.be/TbvdQVkLvxo
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