Marilyn "Mimi" of Healy

Marilyn “Mimi” Rand Healy, formerly of Gibsonville NC, died on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th. Her family and friends give thanks for her long and wonderful life! Mimi was born on February 27, 1930, in Laconia, New Hampshire. Her parents were Victor and Blanche Rand. She grew up there and later graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in social services.

 Mimi moved to Boston, worked in many banks, often as a teller but in other positions too. Once, she had a free ticket for a dance at a dance hall. She went, and a Navy sailor asked her to dance. In her experience, most sailors didn't know how to dance very well, but this one did! His name was Simon Michael Francis Healy, and she married him on November 13, 1954. They had a wonderful and full life together. Because of Mike's work, they moved to many different places, including El Paso Texas, on Kwajalein Island, Colorado, New Jersey, and North Carolina. They finally settled in North Carolina after creating so many friends and connections with people all around the world. Her friends have been a real source of support throughout the years with family-like relationships.

 It is important to note that Mimi was an equestrian, traveler, and a person who cared for others, and their pets, her whole life long. Mimi owned horses for a good part of her life along with other special pets she loved very much. Her equestrian skills came out in show jumping along with the joy of riding and caring for horses. Her travels took her to almost every part of the world including all seven continents. She travelled until she couldn’t with many friends and groups of friends, college groups, and high skill activities like hiking, skiing, and especially her treks down the Grand Canyon on mule! In older years, Mimi delighted in caring for her friend’s dogs! She loved college sports and marching band competitions. 

Mimi and Mike had a wide worldview from early on. When living in El Paso, they often hosted foreign military officers who were training at Ft. Bliss and became good friends with a Japanese officer who they visited in Japan. They also belonged to the Bullfighting Club. Later, Mimi and Mike hosted several French foreign exchange students who became like family, later visiting the students and their families during their European travels. 

Mimi was always involved in churches and music throughout the years. Her last church was Elon Community Church UCC where she sang in the choir and is known for running the professional dishwasher into her 90’s! Her small body washed stacks of dishes and taking great pride in her work!

 Mimi is preceded in death by her parents, older sister Annie, older brother Paul, and her beloved husband, Mike. She survives by nephews Park Fay (Lyn), Steve Fay (Lisa), and other nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Elon Community Church UCC, 271 N. Williamson Ave, Elon NC on Thursday, December 18, at 1:30pm. The service will stream on the church website, eloncommunitychurch.org for friends around the country. Memorials can be made for Elon Community Church Capital Fund