Marion L. May, 88

Marion L. May 1937-2026

With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we announce the passing of Marion L. May (née Bovee), 88, beloved mother, daughter, aunt, step-grandmother, great-grandmother (Gigi), and friend. She passed away at her home in Woodstock, IL on April 1, 2026, with her daughter Trina by her side.

She was born in Lansing, Michigan, on April 26, 1937, to Kylie and Frances (Brink) Bovee, and grew up in Ithaca, Michigan where she made many lifelong friends. After graduating from Ithaca High School in 1955, Marion went on to Eastern Michigan University to study Occupational Therapy (OT), for which she had an incredible passion. She joined the Sigma Kappa Sorority (formerly Pi Sigma Kappa) and was an active member during her college days.

While still in college, she married her high school sweetheart, Philip L. May and went on to finish college. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 1959 and immediately started working to help patients of all kinds. Shortly after that, Marion and Phil moved to Saginaw, Michigan and it was there where their only child, Trina, was born.

As a family they moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan where Marion continued her career path and learned about a new type of therapy being introduced in the United States — therapeutic horseback riding — and she immediately saw the possibilities. Although she did not ride, this experience fundamentally influenced her career and left a lasting impact on her professional life.

In 1972, Marion moved to Chicago with her husband and daughter, where she made a pivotal career move by joining the Illinois Children’s Hospital-School, now the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education – Roosevelt (ICRE-R). It was at this residential school for children with disabilities where she held a variety of positions including Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Administrator, Acting Principal, Acting Superintendent, and Acting Business Administrator. During her time at ICRE-R, Marion’s instrumental role in developing a foundational independent living program for student candidates cemented her legacy as a true visionary and advocate for people with disabilities.

Marion’s ongoing quest to improve the lives of children and young adults with disabilities came full circle when she incorporated therapeutic horseback riding as part of the OT program at ICRE-R. She saw first-hand the effectiveness of this therapy and expanded her involvement by bringing her experience and knowledge to the Board of Directors of a Chicago, IL-based program, Friends of Handicapped Riders (FHR). She would eventually serve as the President of the Board for FHR, and years later for another program called Friends of Therapeutic Equine Activities (FTEA). She furthered her dedication to the advancement of this therapy by joining the national organization PATH International (formerly known as NARHA – North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) serving on their Board and eventually leading the organization as president.

In addition to her full-time position, Marion volunteered her expertise to numerous organizations, including, the Illinois Spina Bifida Association, the Council for Disability Rights, and United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago. She also held clinical faculty and advisory roles with the University of Illinois and Rush University OT programs, the Illinois State Board of Education Special Task Force, the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, and Lifelink/Bensenville Home Society Task Force on New Housing.

Marion balanced her career goals with family life, graduating from Southern Illinois University (SIU) with a Master’s in Rehabilitation Administration in 1985 while working full-time and raising her daughter. Though she and Phil decided to divorce years later, they continued to share a close friendship, enjoying holidays and spending significant time together as a family.

In 2002, she retired from ICRE-R following 30 years of service and transitioned to a rewarding and busy new chapter filled with travel, being a snowbird in Arizona, and consulting on independent living. She combined this new freedom with her love of therapeutic horseback riding by co-founding the Barrington, IL-based program Walk-On, and serving as its first Board President.

Years later, in 2006, Marion moved from Chicago to Woodstock, IL to be closer to her daughter and family. She continued an active lifestyle, directing her creativity and passion to designing jewelry (silversmithing), managing the silversmith workshop in Arizona, organizing her high school class reunions, spending time with her daughter and family, going to Woodstock City Band concerts in the square, and exploring the country and its beauty in her bright red car.

She is survived by her daughter Trina L. May, step-grandson Erik Peto and wife Kimberly, and two beloved great-grandchildren, Ryland and Aaliyah. She also leaves behind a brokenhearted, supportive group of relatives, including cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends. Marion is preceded in death by her parents Kylie and Frances (Brink) Bovee, her brother and sister-in-law Jerald and Judith (Waterous) Bovee, friend and former husband Philip L. May, and son-in-law William D. Peto.

She was a truly remarkable force — fiercely independent, deeply caring, and profoundly creative — leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Marion will be missed beyond measure by her family and her extended circle of friends. Her memory remains a lasting light, encouraging and inspiring a spirit of perseverance, generosity, and independence in those whose lives she touched.

Two events will honor Marion’s amazing life:

A Celebration of Life – Woodstock, IL – June 27 from 1:00-4:00 at Oliver’s Bar & Grill Banquet Hall – 228 Main St. Woodstock, IL 60098.

A Celebration of Life & Interment – Ithaca, MI – TBD, an invite will be posted when the date is confirmed.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marion’s memory may be made to Walk-On Equine Assisted Activities at www.WalkOnFarm.org/donate and to the National Parks Foundation https://give.nationalparks.org/site/Donation2