Marilyn Swett Burger, 80, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on January 19, 2015 at Munson Medical Center with her family by her side.

Marilyn was born on September 27, 1934 in St. Louis, MO to the late George Grant and Jean Faye (Bryan) Swett.

On September 29, 1984, Marilyn married Harry Burger in New York City. They moved to the Traverse City, MI area from St. Louis, MO in 2002. Harry passed away in Traverse City in 2009.

Marilyn was a member of the Daughters of the Civil War, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Magna Carta. She loved animals and belonged to the ASPCA. In her spare time she enjoyed reading, shopping and being with friends. Music also gave her great pleasure in life. But the following, written by her granddaughter Victoria, perhaps says it best: "RIP Grandma. You will never be forgotten. Your humor, sailor's mouth, generosity, and loving heart; your sad lack of ability to cook, but unworldly ability to bring humor and love even into your last days... even if you didn't know it… Haha! Say hey to the gang up there; I'll even let you take Knight for a spin around the pearly gates. We love you, I love you. You will be missed, Dragon Lady!"

Marilyn is survived by her son Grant and daughter-in-law Donna Porteous of Traverse City; grandchildren Connor, Cameron, and Victoria Porteous; step-granddaughter Rachel Burger, and step-children Jessica Hollins and David Gartner; and great-grandchildren Landon and Preston Porteous.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society.

The family will celebrate Marilyn's life privately.

The family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.