Marilyn Jean Harju-Byrd

Marilyn Jean Harju-Byrd, age 71, passed away December 2, 2021, at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids Minnesota. Marilyn was born September 5, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois to Ernest and Marie (Condon) Harju. She attended the Aggaziz Elementary School through grade six and then attended grades seven and eight at the Arnold Upper Grades Center, both located in Chicago. Marilyn went on to attend the Robert A. Wagner High School where she graduated with the class of 1968. Shortly thereafter, Marilyn gained employment with the Bankers Life & Casualty Insurance Company of Chicago, Ill, where she worked as a claims adjuster in a career that spanned thirty-eight years. On August 1, 1998 Marilyn was united in marriage to Dennis Lester Byrd, Sr. of Ravens, Virginia. The two made their home in Chicago until the time of Dennis’ death in 2006. In July 2008 Marilyn moved to the Park Rapids/Menahga area where she lived with her aunt and uncle for a time until she became a resident of the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga. Marilyn enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. She also enjoyed photography and art. For many years Marilyn devoted herself to caring for her parents and her husband who she loved with all her heart. Marilyn will be lovingly remembered by her stepson, Dennis Byrd Jr.; step-grandson, Dennis Jacob Byrd; as well as several aunts and uncles and many cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her paternal and maternal grandparents. A special thank you to ALL the residents and workers at the Heritage Living Center. Everyone had an impact on Marilyn’s life and made it wonderful. She loved living there and was very happy. Marilyn wanted to be buried at Byrd - Newberry Cemetery in Raven, Virginia. Inurnment at a later date at the cemetery.