Margaret "Margy" Alyce Faasen-Arey of Andover, Connecticut, age 64, passed away from
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on Saturday, December 9, 2023, in her family home in
Tallmadge, Michigan. She was born to her beautiful mother Maybelle Ann Davis and father Jon
Dudley Faasen on July 27, 1959, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Imagine suddenly, butterflies taking flight in a field of flowers. The energy from their circular
motion, the rhythmic airiness of their grace, and the effervescent joy their existence brings to your
soul. This describes Margy's impact on all of us that loved her.
Margy grew up in the alluring countryside of Michigan along her elder sister Gwendolyn and
younger brother Jon. Surrounded by nature, the sound of music, and the love of family, Margy's
experience as a young child inspired her interests in beautiful homes, art, animals, and friendship.
These same avocations are weaved throughout the fabric of her life.
Margy had two children that loved her dearly, her daughter Alycia and son Bradford "Brad."
Close by her side in every life adventure, Margy and her two kids would embark on Disney World
theme park vacations, road trips along the Atlantic Coast singing sea chanties, visiting museums,
and eating exquisite food. At the age of 37, Margy would meet the love of her life, Kenneth "Ken"
Robinson Arey, and together they completed each other. As wife and husband, the two were
inseparable, taking the world on together through joy, health, and life's rich experiences.
Margy had an endless conviction for creativity and entrepreneurship. At the young age of 23,
Margy opened "Old MacDonald Pet Shop" in Cocoa Beach, Florida. She ran her business with
tenacity leading to loyal customers and articles in local newspapers on the store's success. Margy
would continue her professional track in real estate in Connecticut that resulted in awards "Agent
of the Year," "Leadership in Sales," and "Best Team Leader." Channeling her love for creativity
and art, Margy spent the last 20 years transforming homes into places of inspiration and delight as
an interior decorator. In her last year, Margy worked with a wonderful team at the Wadsworth
Atheneum Museum of Art, in Hartford, Connecticut.
Margy's influence on the world and those she loved is insurmountable. Her compassion, sense of
responsibility, and strong principals in doing what's just instilled in her children lessons that would
later shape their interests and careers. Alycia dedicates her life to protecting the environment and
currently works with the U.S. Department of Energy; Brad practices law representing people that
have suffered from injustice. Ken and Margy would do everything together from major décor
installations, studying biology in college, painting and creating art that were displayed in their
beautiful home, to planting beautiful gardens.
Margy loved her family and treasured her friendships. She loved to travel and visited far off
destinations in Europe and Central America. Her eyes have seen many places, read many books,
and doted on the faces of her loved ones. Margy always walked boldly against the wind with every
challenge and opportunity. She has taught us to be adventurous, to be kind, and to always believe
in yourself.
Margy was predeceased by her parents, Maybelle and Jon, her uncles Jim and Jack Davis, and
cousin Stan Davis. She is survived by her beloved husband Ken, daughter Alycia and her husband
Mark Egan, son Brad, sister Gwendolyn Faasen and brother-in-law Ric Troll, brother Jon Faasen
and his wife Ruth Faasen and her children Jessica and Brianna. On Margy's maternal side, she is
survived by her aunt Grace Davis, cousin Steve Davis and his wife Louanne Davis, their children Andy and Emily
Davis, and their family; cousin Tom Davis; second cousin Abby Louise and her children; and
cousin Fred and his wife June-Marie Essner, their children Charlie, Margaret (and her children),
and Chester. On Margy's paternal side, she is survived by her uncle Don Faasen and cousins Mary
and Toni Faasen, Persis Faasen, Candace Hazelwinkel and many other beloved cousins.
The family would like to thank Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care, Susan Mast ALS
Foundation, and the ALS Association of Michigan for their care, love, and lending of equipment
to support Margy.
A small and intimate service was held for Margy by her children and husband. The family would
like to invite family and friends to a "Celebration of Life" in late Spring 2024. Information will be
forthcoming and shared on social media.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to organizations that helped Margy
during her battle with ALS. Susan Mast ALS Foundation and ALS Association of Michigan.