Marilyn Ann Cortis
May 28, 1932 – May 18, 2025
Marilyn Ann Cortis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, at the age of 92 in Brighton, Michigan. Born on May 28, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, to Joseph Weiss and Helen (Robert) Horak, Marilyn touched the lives of everyone who knew her with her boundless energy, kindness, and love for life.
She was the cherished wife of the late Walter J. Cortis, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, adventure, and devotion. Marilyn was a loving mother to Michael (Karen) Cortis, Robert Cortis, and Christopher (Lindsay) Cortis, and an incredibly proud grandmother to Taylor, Kolby, Anthony, Carlina, and Micah. Marilyn's legacy lives on in her children and grandchildren, who will always remember her nurturing spirit and deep love for each of them.
Marilyn was also a dear sister to Carolyn (the late Ed) Sabados and the late Joseph Weiss.
A woman who found joy in life's simple pleasures, Marilyn was a true lover of nature. She reveled in the blooming of spirea, lilacs, forsythia, and tulips, and was an avid mushroom hunter. She spent countless hours observing birds in their nests, always sharing her love of the outdoors with her children and grandchildren. In the spring, she could often be found eagerly searching for the first robin, a symbol of hope and renewal that was special to her.
A gifted baker, Marilyn was known for her homemade cookies and holiday treats, which she shared generously with her family and neighbors. Her sweet treats were as warm as her heart, and they created lasting memories for all who enjoyed them.
Marilyn's adventurous spirit was unmatched. She embraced life with an open heart and fearless attitude. In her later years, she even took on the challenge of bungy jumping. She tried scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, go-kart racing, and water skiing. She never let her age slow her down and was always eager to participate in any activity with her grandchildren, no matter how bold.
A woman of great strength and determination, Marilyn taught her children the importance of saving for the future, hard work, and perseverance. Her work ethic was unmatched, and she led by example with a big heart and unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories, valuable life lessons, and a shining example of what it means to live life fully.
Visitation will be held 3-8 pm Thursday May 22, 2025, at O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48375, Scripture service and sharing will take place at 7pm. A memorial mass will be celebrated 11 am Friday, May 23, 2025, at St. Fabian Church, 32200 W. 12 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, with visitation 10:30 am until time of memorial mass. Interment will follow at Parkview Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions to Sokol Detroit , an organization close to Marilyn's heart.
Marilyn's love for life, her family, and God's creatures will forever be remembered. She was a great wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, whose kindness and adventurous spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her. Rest in peace, Marilyn. You will be dearly missed.