Marilyn Fisher Lundy (née Marilyn Alice Fisher; 3 May 1925 – 24 June 2014) was an American businesswoman and philanthropist. As the CEO and president of the League of Catholic Women (later renamed Matrix Human Service), Lundy led the development of several organizations for women and children within Michigan, including educational institutions.
Early and personal life
Lundy was born Marilyn Alice Fisher on 3 May 1925 in Detroit, Michigan, to Edward and Adeline Fisher.[1] She attended the Academy of the Sacred Heart, graduating in 1942.[2]
She graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy in May 1946, with a degree in philosophy and summa cum laude distinction.[1][3] She married C. Bradford Lundy Jr. in September 1946. They moved to Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan in 1958, and attended the Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish.[1] Lundy had 8 children.[4][5]
Career
In 1964, Lundy began serving in the board of nonprofit organization League of Catholic Women, an organization serving to improve educational opportunities for people. She became the president in 1969,[1] and later the CEO.[6] The organization was later renamed the Matrix Human Services.[6] While working with the organization, Lundy led the development of several projects, including the Simon House, for female victims of HIV/AIDS, the Seton Center, a general center for women's issues, Healthy Start, for economically disadvantaged pregnant women or new mothers, W.I.C. (Women, Infants and Children), providing support for women and children, and the Casa Maria Family Services Agency, providing alternative education for children aged 10 to 13.[6] In 1994, the Casa Maria Family Services Agency became the one of the state's first nine accredited charter schools.[4][7] Lundy helped develop the Marilyn F. Lundy Academy, a charter school named after her.[8]
Lundy served in the Michigan Department of Education from 1988 to 1996, including as its vice president for a year.[4][6] Lundy also served as the president for the Citizens for Educational Freedom from 1977 to 1988.[6] In 1999, Lundy was declared a "Michiganian of the Year" by The Detroit News.[9] Lundy was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame in 2000 for her work in education.[8] She retired the same year.[1][4]
Death and legacy
Lundy died on 24 June 2014, at the age of 89. At the time of her death, she had 22 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. A funeral mass was held on 7 July at the Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish.[1] She was buried in Mount Elliott Cemetery.[1] In 2014, Mount Sinai Hospital launched The Marilyn Lundy Hospice Palliative Care Community Nursing Award, honoring Lundy.[10]
Awards and honors
| Year | Award | Organization | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Wansboro Award | Academy of the Sacred Heart | [2] |
| 1999 | Michiganian of the Year | The Detroit News | [9] |
| 2000 | Hall of Fame | Michigan Women's Hall of Fame | [8] |
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Barnstead, Elizabeth (10 July 2014). "Marilyn Fisher Lundy, a 'contemplative in action,' dies at 89". Detroit Catholic. Archived from the original on 28 February 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
- ^ a b "Alumnae/i Awards". Academy of the Sacred Heart. Archived from the original on 8 December 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
- ^ "CHASS Alumni". University of Detroit Mercy. Archived from the original on 28 February 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
- ^ a b c d Bradley, Ed (26 June 2014). "Marilyn Fisher Lundy, member of Fisher family and former Matrix CEO, dies at 89". Crain's Detroit. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
- ^ "Marilyn Fisher Lundy, former president of League of Catholic Women, dies at 89". Detroit Catholic. 27 June 2014. Archived from the original on 28 February 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Marilyn Fisher Lundy". Michigan Women Forward. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
- ^ "Michigan: Charter Schools Movement State Timeline". National Charter Schools Founders Library. Retrieved 4 March 2025.
- ^ a b c "Marilyn Fisher Lundy" (PDF). Michigan Women Forward. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 December 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
- ^ a b "Michiganians of the Year, since 1978". The Detroit News. 5 November 2015. Archived from the original on 1 May 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
- ^ "The Marilyn Lundy Hospice Palliative Care Community Nursing Award" (PDF). Mount Sinai Hospital. 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2025.