Mariann J. Waldbillig

Mariann Joyce Wright Waldbillig, 80, of Niagara, passed away peacefully Monday, November 2, 2020, surrounded by her family. Born July 19, 1940, she was the daughter of the late William and Laura Grismer Wright of Kingsford, MI. A class of 1958 graduate of Kingsford High School, she is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dr. Robert Waldbillig. Mariann retired from the Texas Children’s Cancer Center, in Houston where she worked closely for over 20 years with Dr. David Poplack, the Centers’ Director for more than 20 years. She began her long career at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iron Mountain at the age of 18. During her extensive career, she and her family lived in several cities, including Minneapolis, MN, Long Island, NY, Gainesville, FL, and Washington, D.C, where she was involved in establishing the Children’s Inn at The National Institutes of Health. While working at the NIH, she began working with Dr. Poplack, with whom she continued working in Houston, TX. She also was a founding member of the Houston Knitters Guild. In her retirement, Mariann returned to the area where she and Bob were raised. She was immediately welcomed back by her high school classmates, friends, and extended family. Mariann was an expert knitter and a certified knitting instructor. She taught many well-attended knitting classes at the Dickinson County Library. Mariann treasured time with family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling abroad and visited England, Poland, France, Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland. She spent her time gardening, teaching knitting at Dickinson County Library, reading, and doing jigsaw puzzles. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Iron Mountain since childhood and rejoined the church on her return to the area. Mariann was a member a of Prayer Shawl Ministry knitting group and the United Methodist Women’s Orpha Circle. In addition to her devoted husband Bob, she is survived by two dedicated daughters, Robin (Rocky) Graves of Monterey, CA, and Heatherann (Rick) Cundiff of Ocala, FL; three sisters, Beverly Lindberg of Marquette, Penny Wright-Maraccini and Lori Wright-Maas, both of Iron Mountain; two grandchildren, Katie Graves Flores of California, and Jeremy Graves of Texas; and two beloved great-granddaughters Carli Jean Graves and Luna Bea Flores. Visitation will be held Friday, November 6, 2020 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A memorial service will follow at Trinity United Methodist Church at 3:00 PM, with Rev. Geri Hamlen officiating. Condolences to the family of Mariann Waldbillig may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com

Mariann J. Waldbillig

July 19, 1940 - November 2, 2020