June 14, 2016
When the decision was made last summer to honor Marjorie S. Fisher by adding her name to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s home at 3711 Woodward Avenue, orchestra representatives had occasion to speak with her about what motivated her ongoing generosity to the organization and to the community at large.
One key phrase prevailed.
“Lead with your heart.”
This was Mrs. Fisher’s mandate, and it will be her legacy in perpetuity, as she passed away peacefully this past Sunday morning with her family at her side.
The DSO is indebted to Marjorie’s inner calling to do more than her part. Marjorie’s lifetime giving places her and her beloved husband Max M. Fisher among the most generous patrons the orchestra has ever known. Her benevolence, paired with that of the family foundation she created, has helped take the DSO on tour both domestically and abroad, and was a catalyst for the reclamation of Orchestra Hall, positioning the institution as a hub for community, learning, and performing arts lovingly referred to as The Max in honor of late husband. Beyond her philanthropic contributions to countless projects, she has given the DSO the gift of family.
She raised a son, Phillip, DSO Chairman Emeritus, whose extraordinary board leadership forged an institutional culture that serves as a shining example of the power of cohesion that unites an organization toward common goals and sustainability.
Her daughter Julie and son-in-law Peter Cummings, DSO Chairman Emeritus, ushered the DSO through a time of change and progress, always imagining a larger role for the DSO to play in Detroit’s resurgence.
Her daughter Jane and son-in-law Larry supported the DSO through Jane’s service on the board and their personal gifts. Daughters Mary and Margie are also ardent supporters through their personal gifts and leadership of the family’s foundation.
Max and Marjorie Fisher gave boundlessly of their time and hearts to shape a viable and artistically excellent future for the DSO, and the organization will be forever grateful.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marjorie’s name may be sent to the DSO or the Brightmoor Alliance.
June 14th Public Memorial Service at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center
3711 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48201
Event Schedule:
• 3:30 pm: Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center doors open
• 4:30 pm: Memorial service on Orchestra Hall stage
• 5:30 pm: Celebration in the Music Box