Obituaries

The world has lost a beautiful soul. Marilyn Lucille (Pingatore) Danis, 81, passed away peacefully March 4, 2026, in UNC Hospital Chapel Hill, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Marilyn was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on June 4, 1944, to Mary Carmola Pingatore and Sylvester Pingatore. She had a fiercely loving heart and a driven spirit. Marilyn was a self-made woman, a brilliant entrepreneur who created a lifetime of incredible success in the many businesses she owned.

Marilyn obtained her real estate broker license in the mid-1970s, starting her career with Lain and Koenig Real Estate in Fayetteville. With her strong determination and drive, she quickly rose to the top of her profession, and she went on to open Century 21 Danis & Associates. She mentored her agents, especially military spouses, to help foster them and grow their careers.

Her deep passion for growth led her to open Residential Mortgage Corp. in September 1991, which grew to be the most successful locally owned mortgage company in Fayetteville. Marilyn also owned and operated many other businesses, including North Pointe Auto Bath, North Pointe Express Care, and Cross Creek Title Services, LLC.

While Marilyn’s presence will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched, the love and light she brought to the world will never fade and she will live on in the hearts of her loved ones. She has left a void that can never be filled.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Edward R. Zwan. She leaves behind three sons: James H. Danis, II (Deborah F. Danis), Tracy A. Danis, and Gregory W. Danis (Tina R. Danis); four grandchildren: Zachery J. Danis, Haley K. Danis, Joshua C. Danis, and Brittany Bowling; five stepchildren: Gina Zwan Jones, Freda Zwan Beasley, Francis Zwan, Edward Zwan, and Reggie Zwan; three siblings: Sylvester Pingatore, Jr., Frances Pingatore, and Sandra Raynard; and several nieces and nephews. She also had many cherished people in her life she considered family.

A Graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 12:00 Noon at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan.

Condolences may be left at www.familylifefh.com.