Marilyn Monroe-Hart

Marilyn Monroe-Hart, 81, of Charlotte, a woman of keen intellect, creativity and spirit, died unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Marilyn was born June 8, 1940, in Lansing, the daughter of James Henry and Florence Irene (Kirkwood) Mahan. As a young girl in grade school in Olivet, she met her life-long friend, soulmate and future husband, Bruce, on the 4th of July. They remained best friends throughout high school, participating together in many activities. The love story of Marilyn and Bruce would pause for several decades as they took different paths through most of their adult lives.
Marilyn attended the University of Michigan as a dual major in English and Music. She played lead roles in Oklahoma, Carousel, and Fiddler on the Roof. Offstage she enjoyed the music of Bread, The Eagles, and Frank Sinatra. She eventually earned master’s Degrees in both English Literature and Special Education. Marilyn went on to become a very intelligent, highly educated, accomplished teacher in the Chicago area. She taught high school advanced placement English Literature and Drama for over 30 years, coached the speech team, and was on the English faculty of Lake Forest College. Marilyn treasured her years in education, and was known for combining her sense of humor, discipline, and innovative pedagogy to shape the minds of thousands of students. She was a voracious reader and life-long student of literature and writing. She was also a very musically inclined vocalist and played the piano, oboe, and saxophone. Marilyn took voice lessons in Lansing as a child and soloed in countless weddings and special events throughout her life. She lived an extremely organized, well-planned life, and was trusted by many to coordinate details and communicate to perfection. Marilyn was easy to befriend as she openly shared her thoughts, opinions and interests with all who crossed her path, not to mention her striking beauty and meticulous grooming.
Marilyn loved her parents, caring for them throughout their lives. She was proud of her Irish heritage and lived a life of independence and responsibility. Perhaps her darkest hour was enduring the tragic death of her beloved daughter, Michelle. Marilyn would never fully recover from the overwhelming grief. Her Faith in Jesus Christ sustained her and led her to fulfill the rest of her life purpose with vigor and tenacity.
Bruce and Marilyn, despite decades living separate lives, both returned home to Charlotte within a few years of each other. They were married January 1, 2000, and lived a life of love, Christian Faith, and community service. They were members of Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte and volunteered for many local groups and helped countless people in many capacities. In their spare time, Bruce and Marilyn both enjoyed being staunch U of M fans. Marilyn was active as a GFWC-Charlotte member and past president and chair of Libraries 2000, an initiative within GFWC to provide resources and technology to local schools. She held district and state committee membership in GFWC.  She was a coordinator and volunteer for Mobile Meals Inc. of Charlotte, volunteered with the Hayes Green Beach Gift Basket, and achieved many professional and community accolades throughout her life.
Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, Bruce Burleson Hart in 2018; daughter, Michelle Monroe; her parents; brother, Richard Gene in 1942; an infant sister in 1944; and her beloved “Uncle Dale.” She is survived by her brother, Dr. James (Barbara) Mahan of Maple City, MI; her nieces and nephews; several cousins; and many close and loving friends.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marilyn on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A graveside Memorial Gathering will take place in April. Details to follow. Memorial contributions are suggested to GFWC Chorus, GFWC Helping Hands, and the Charlotte Community Library. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.