Traverse City, Michigan - Marilyn was born to Everett & Evelyn Dean and grew up on the family farm on Elk Lake where she worked and played alongside her siblings.

She married Richard Burfiend in 1956 and after his six years in the Air Force they moved back home and eventually bought and farmed some property on Cook Road in Williamsburg. Though they later divorced, Marilyn remained at the residence and raised their five children there. She loved to spend time on her property and especially loved gardening and canning. She was also known for her cooking and baking. She loved to travel and took several backpacking trips in Montana, but what she was most passionate about was loving and caring for children. She did foster care, daycare and babysitting many times in conjunction with her daughter Tanja. She rarely ever turned down a parent in need of a child care -- even if it meant evening or weekend work.

She was preceded in death by her parents her sister Joan (Frank) Hartman, sister Joyce

(Jerry) Esling, brother James (Susie) Dean, sister Deborah Dean and daughter Tanja Burfiend.

She is survived by her sister Ellen (John) Ostlund, brother Dennis (Barb) Dean, sister Colleen Dean, and Jennifer (Bob) Miller. Her surviving children are: Richard Jr (Maureen) Burfiend, Timothy (Beth) Burfiend, Jonathan Burfiend and Terence (Maria) Burfiend.

She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren and great grandchildren as well.

Visitation service will be held at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 5-7 pm. Located at 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City Mi, 49686

There will also be a visitation on Friday, December 12 from 10-11 am with a celebration of life service following at 11:00 am at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church Located at 5750 Williamsburg Rd, Williamsburg, Mi 49690

In lieu of flowers, please send any contributions to:

Child and Family Services of Northern Michigan

3785 Veterans Dr,

Traverse City, Mi 49686