Marjorie E. Gabert, age 81 of Reed City, formerly of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully, with family members at her side, on Thursday, March 13, 2008. Marj was born June 21, 1926 in Detroit to Roy and Minnie Bailey. Following her graduation from Eastern High School, Marjorie joined the Cadet Nursing Corps at the close of World War II. She married Edward Gabert on May 29, 1948 in Detroit. They made their home in the Birmingham and Troy areas where they raised their sons, Steven and Douglas. Marj and Ed moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1973 where Marj soon resumed her college education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from CMU. Following graduation they moved to Big Rapids and Marj began her faculty career as the Librarian for the College of Pharmacy at Ferris State University. She completed her Masters degree in Library Science from Western Michigan University. She retired from Ferris in 1988. Her professional memberships included the Ferris Emeriti Association and recently served as the Vice-President of the Mecosta County chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. Marj was a member of the Big Rapids Garden Club and the United Church of Big Rapids, serving as the church librarian until recently. Marj is survived by Edward, her loving husband of nearly 60 years; two sons, Steven of Tallahassee, Florida, and Douglas (Jodi) of Reed City; three grandsons, Jonathon, Benjamin and Martin; a sister, Lois Fognini of East Lansing; two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Wells of Grand Rapids, and Alice Jean Gabert of Irvine, California; and one aunt, Winnafred Stow of Landrum, South Carolina. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 22, 2008 at the United Church of Big Rapids on the corner of Mill and State streets. Pastor Jon Fleming will officiate. The family will greet friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to: The Neuropathy Association, Hospice of Michigan, the Arthritis Association or the United Church of Big Rapids. Arrangements entrusted to the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids.