Obituary of Marion Fisher Michaels

Marion Catherine Michaels, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 27, 2022 surrounded by her family. 

Born and raised in Albany, she was the daughter of Mildred and Henry Fisher and graduated from Albany Business College.  Marion was the wife and partner of James W. Michaels of Rosen-Michaels and The Michaels Group Builders & Developers. Together they designed Colonial Acres, a one of kind, award-winning subdivision in Glenmont, NY, featured in House Beautiful and Better Homes and Garden.  In 1971, she commuted to the New York School of Interior Design and earned a Certificate in Interior Decorating.  She started her own business – Marion Michaels Interiors, Inc. - where she decorated award-winning model homes for The Michaels Group and private residences across the capital region.

Marion was a member of Albany Country Club, where she was the first woman to serve on their Board of Governors in its 104-year history.  She chaired and supported many cultural and charitable events throughout the capital district.  Her numerous memberships and affiliations included the Delmar Progress Club; Garden Club of Albany; P.E.O. Chapter of Delmar; Women’s Council of Albany Institute of History & Art; American Cancer Society, the ALS Regional Center, and Bethlehem Lutheran Church.  Marion was also a world traveler, avid golfer, and astute bridge player.  She loved entertaining and celebrating holidays with family and friends.  She made every occasion special.

Marion was predeceased by her husband, James W. Michaels; sons, John H. Michaels and Paul H. Michaels; and sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Miller.

Survivors include her children, J. David Michaels (Lynne), Stephen W. Michaels (Ellen) and Julie Michaels Keegan; daughter in law, Sheila Michaels; grandchildren, Luke, Thomas & Katherine Michaels, Paul and Joshua Michaels, Benjamin and Kimberly Michaels, and Michael and John Keegan along with ten great-grandchildren.

Marion dedicated her life to decorating the lives of others with beauty, kindness, and compassion.  She always had a kind word for everyone she met. She was so proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She often said her family was her greatest blessing.  In truth, it was Marion who was the blessing to everyone who knew her. 

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 2 from 10 to 11 am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Ave., Delmar.  A funeral service will follow the visitation at 11 am at the church.  Burial will be in Holy Spirit Lutheran Cemetery, Glenmont.  In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to the St. Peter’s ALS Regional Center are deeply appreciated:  Donations can be made online at: www.givetostpeters.org/donate or St. Peter’s ALS Center, 19 Warehouse Row, Albany, NY, 12205.