01/15/2026
𝐈𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐝𝐚𝐡𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐬 🕊️
Lutheran Braille Evangelism mourns the passing of our dear friend and longtime board member, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐝𝐚𝐡𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐬, who entered her eternal rest on January 21, 2025.
January is especially meaningful to our ministry. It includes World Braille Day (January 4)—a time when we celebrate the life-changing impact of braille and reaffirm our commitment to making God’s Word accessible to people who are blind and visually impaired. It is fitting that we remember Marlys during this month, as her life and service reflected the very purpose of this day.
Marlys began serving on the LBEA Board of Directors in December 2001 and remained a faithful, dedicated leader for more than two decades. At the time of her passing, she was actively serving on the board. Her commitment to this ministry never wavered.
After losing her sight suddenly in 1963 during her senior year at Mankato State, Marlys faced life with remarkable courage and determination. Over the years, she partnered with seven seeing eye dogs, overcame countless challenges, and became a fierce advocate for people who are blind.
Marlys was also a God-gifted communicator and “marketer” for the LBEA mission, sharing our work with passion, clarity, and joy. She believed deeply in the power of God’s Word made accessible through braille and audio formats.
In keeping with that faith and vision, Marlys arranged for a gift from her estate to support Lutheran Braille Evangelism—her final testimony of love for this ministry and for the people we serve.
We are profoundly grateful for Marlys’ service, friendship, and enduring legacy. Though she leaves a significant void, her impact will continue to be felt through lives touched by God’s Word.
📖 “𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭.” — Matthew 25:23
Please join us in thanking God for Marlys’ life and praying for her family and all who loved her.
