Marjorie Synnestvedt Gurney

Our beloved mother, Marjorie S. Gurney, passed away on February 14, 2024, at the age of 93. She was the devoted wife of Howard B. Gurney, her best friend and husband of 63 years, and a loving mother to Brent Gurney, Kristin Pitcairn, Wendy Wyncoll, and Glenn Gurney. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Born in 1931 to Ralph and Katherine Synnestvedt in Glenview, Illinois, Marjorie was one of six siblings. She attended the Glenview New Church School through ninth grade before graduating from the Academy of the New Church in 1950. She later studied at Gregg Business College in Chicago and worked as a secretary before marrying Howard in 1959.

They first lived in Ann Arbor while Howard completed his master’s degree at the University of Michigan, then lived in Detroit, Royal Oak, Troy, and later Rochester Hills.

Marjorie balanced motherhood with part-time work. She was deeply involved in the Oak Arbor New Church, playing the piano and organ for 40 years and serving in various leadership roles. She found great joy in music, faith, and family.

When asked what thoughts she wanted to leave with her family, Marjorie shared how fortunate she felt to have had a happy childhood and a wonderful life. She was deeply grateful for 63 years of marriage to a loving husband. Most of all, she cherished the joy of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 4:30 pm Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Oak Arbor Church, 495 Oak Arbor Circle West, Rochester MI 48306.

The family has kindly asked that donations can be made to Oak Arbor Church in place of flowers.

Here is how you can donate in Marge’s Memory: Checks can be written to: Oak Arbor Church

495 Oak Arbor Circle West, Rochester, MI 48306 Memo: Marge Gurney Memorial

Or you can go to our website: www.oakarbor.org /Click on “Give” to donate via PayPal or credit card.

In the “Note” field please type in “Marge Gurney Memorial”.