Marcia Duncan, 82, Founded Beloved Saline Bookstore

Marcia Joan Duncan 82, of Milan, formerly of Saline, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 24, 2017 after a brief illness. 

Marcia was born in Grand Rapids, in 1935 to the late Harold Miller and Madora (Cornell). She was a 1953 graduate of Ottawa Hills High School in Grand Rapids and then attended Hiram College in Ohio, where she studied Liberal Arts.

On September 1, 1956, she married her sweetheart, James Walter Duncan who remained her best friend and beloved husband until he preceded her in death in 2015. Married for 58 years they raised their 4 children in Ann Arbor, Manchester and Saline.

Upon moving to Ann Arbor, Marcia worked at Logos Bookstore where she established and managed the children’s literature section. Her love of books began early in her life. One of Marcia’s fondest memories growing up in Grand Rapids, was around the holidays, peering into storefront windows, her nose pressed against the glass, admiring the beautiful displays of merchandise. One of the stores was the famous Herpolsheimer’s, where her maternal grandfather, Andrew Stevenson was the store Santa for many years.

In 1975, after the family moved to Manchester, Marcia realized her dream and opened her own business, The Calico Cat Book and Gift Shoppe, which specialized in Christian and Children’s Literature. She owned and operated the store for 35 years, eventually moving to Saline and opening another store, The Christmas Annex. During their years in business, Marcia and Jim had the privilege of restoring several buildings, including the Old First Methodist Church in Saline. 

In 2014, they were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce for their work at the Calico Cat and its contributions to the business district. Throughout her life Marcia was known for her open demeanor and a love of conversation. Some of her favorite memories during her Calico Cat Years, were made through the people she met, the friendships she made and the joy of helping someone find the perfect gift, especially a classic book.

A woman of unwavering faith, and a deep love for the Lord, Marcia also served as the church secretary at Grace Bible Church in Ann Arbor, and later she and Jim were one of five founding families of Huron Hills Baptist Church in Ann Arbor.

The heart of her family, she made every occasion beautiful. From birthdays, graduations, weddings and holidays, she made each event special and unique. She loved entertaining family and friends, especially during the holidays and those celebrations will definitely feel her absence henceforth. Marcia’s love of cats was legendary. There was never a stray cat that she didn’t tend to, provide veterinary care for if needed, and then be sure to find them a good home.

When she was not working at her store, or spending time with her family, Marcia was an avid reader. She read everything from Catherine Marshall, Billy Graham and Corrie Ten Boom to Harry Potter! She also loved knitting and was known for her beautiful perennial gardens.  Marcia looked forward every summer to vacationing with her family at Glen Lake.

Marcia will lovingly be remembered and deeply missed by her four children, Beth (Dan) Ragle of Milan, James (Blanca) of California, Eric Duncan of Whitmore Lake, Leslie (Kip) Read of Ypsilanti, her three grandchildren, Jonah, Ashton and Hunter Read, her Brother Fritz (Judy) Miller of Arizona, Sister Laurie Haan(Dennis) Bayma of Virginia, and Step-brother David (Diane) Haan of Spring Lake, Brother-in-law Donald Duncan of Minnesota, and Brother-in-law Jack (Shirley) Duncan of Indiana. Also numerous, deeply loved nieces and nephews and cherished cousins. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 18, 2017 at 12:00 Noon at the Milan Baptist Church in Milan, with Pastor Doug Strader officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. 

A private graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Saline, following the luncheon.  Memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Michigan, or Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center FIRST program. Envelopes will be available at Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home in Saline, where friends may begin calling on Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. On Friday, August 18, 2017 friends may visit at Milan Baptist Church from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 Noon. To sign Marcia’s guestbook, to leave a memory or for more information or directions, please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.

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