A GRAAA Pillar for More than a Half Century: Evelyn Marron (June 8, 1932 - January 12, 2025)

GRAAA lost a true pillar earlier this year with the passing of Evelyn Marron at age 92. She and her husband Jim, who died in 2018, were among the most significant of the Association’s leaders since joining in 1960, five years after the group’s inception. Evelyn, like Jim, was a longtime member of the GRAAA Board of Directors, serving in a number of executive positions, including President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Newsletter Editor. There were few things that the talented and affable Evie, as her many friends affectionately called her, could not--or would not--do to serve.

Service! That was the hallmark of this remarkable woman, in both her chosen career and in years of involvement in GRAAA and other civic organizations. Evie earned degrees from Michigan State University, and spent the majority of her professional life as a job counselor for the Ionia County office of the Michigan Employment Security Commission. She discovered that many of her clients were recent inmates of the nearby prison, prompting her to make arrangements to speak periodically with prisoners soon-to-be released. By taking interest in each client’s potential, she made a difference in their lives, also urging them to stay in touch when re-entering the outside world.

It was at Michigan State that the then Evelyn Dawson met fellow social work major Jim Marron, soon becoming entranced by his free spirit, liberal politics, and wry sense of humor. It did not take long for each to realize that they shared compatible interests, leading to marriage in 1953. The couple took up residence in Lowell when Jim assumed a position with the Grand Rapids office of the Michigan Department of Social Security. It was in Lowell that they also began raising two children, Michael and Aubrey.

Aubrey informs me that it was actually Evie who drew Jim into the realm of astronomy. She had read books about the subject and had taken an astronomy course in college, so it is not surprising that the ever intellectually curious Jim “caught the bug” from her and ran with it, rapidly emerging as a leader in the fledgling astronomy group.

I first met Jim, Evie, and the kids just a year or so after they joined the Association. The occasion was a GRAAA 1961 “star party” at the group’s original observing site on Bird Hill, northwest of Grand Rapids. It was fairly dark at the time, but no longer today. It is close to where massive light pollution from the Knapps Corner commercial development now radiates skyward. I was a college student at the time, visiting with fellow members of my hometown Muskegon astronomy club for a special joint event featuring a total eclipse of the moon. I remember the enthusiasm and friendliness of Jim and Evie and other GRAAA members in attendance.

Upon coming to Grand Rapids to join the staff of the Public Museum’s planetarium a few years later, involvement with GRAAA was high on my agenda. It was apparent that both Jim and Evie had now become active leaders, coincidentally just as the group began considering establishment of its own observatory. Check out our previous blog post about Jim at the time of his passing for more about how that journey began with a generous offer by the Marrons to build that observatory on acreage they had earlier purchased with the intent of building (only) a new home.

I am assuming the two discussed that decision prior to making it, because it affected their lives in many ways--and not always for the better. It is a tribute to both that they maintained their cordiality, tolerance, and good humor throughout the decades of day and night activity from a functioning observatory on their “back forty.” The Association is forever indebted to Jim and Evie for all that they contributed--and endured--related to the establishment and maintenance of our vibrant facility.

Evelyn Marron as Water Witch, divining for water source near the observatory with coat hanger wire, 1968.

While actively assisting with construction of the observatory in the late 60s, Jim and Evie were simultaneously working to complete their unique house, which the two designed themselves modeled on the architecture of Frank Loyd Wright. Evie’s background in art proved a valuable asset in the endeavor. All of this was happening as they were also raising two kids who were nearing their teen years.

As if that was not enough, Evie and Jim as individuals and as a family became involved in additional cultural and intellectual endeavors, both in the Lowell area and broader West Michigan community. Jim became an amateur actor, bringing the rest of the Marron clan right along with him. Evie never caught the acting bug, but supported her husband by taking on bit parts in plays that Jim either acted in or later directed for Grand Rapids Civic Theater, Circle Theater, or Lowell Thebes Players, which he helped organize. She mostly worked tirelessly behind the scenes, where she had a knack for creative costume and set design.

Evie’s obituary cites still more. She worked for the Ionia County Literacy Council, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Kent County 4-H (teaching art), Lowell Area Arts Council, Red Cross, and League of Women Voters. Then of course there was GRAAA, where she was on the Board of Directors from the late 60s, remaining an honorary member into the 2020s.

Evie was especially proud of the work she did in developing a model Dark Sky ordinance for Lowell Township, an effort to limit light pollution around the observatory. Working with other GRAAA leaders, she was on occasion spokesperson about the need before state and local legislators.

It is clear that foremost to Evie was support of the always innovative Jim, including during the years of his lingering illness, while also paying attention to her own health. Into her final decade, Evie still exercised and socialized with special friends at the Lowell YMCA, and kept in touch with her many friends and relatives. From time to time, she continued to host GRAAA and other friends at “the house” for periodic Sunday morning breakfast and socializing. Her daughter Aubrey noted that the Marrons years ago began the practice, which eventually evolved into rotating hosting duties among regular participants. The tradition continued for decades.

As is eloquently stated in Evelyn Marron’s obituary: “She was known and loved for her kindness, generosity, caring, intelligence, quick wit and artistry. Many family friends considered her as their second mom.“ Having had the privilege to know and appreciate this classy lady for close to a half century, I heartily and gratefully agree with that assessment.