WGI is saddened to hear of Mary Lynn Dorow’s passing. She was a bright light and a beacon of positivity for all those around her. As a member of the Miller family and a crucial piece of Fred J. Miller Inc., she made a significant impact on generations of instructors, designers, and performers within WGI.
Over the many decades of her involvement as an educator and adjudicator, she established countless connections within the marching arts. Her name has become synonymous with excellence, positivity, and perseverance.
Mary Lynn’s influence on the activity spans several generations of performers and educators alike. As an instructor for the iconic WGI group, Miller’s Blackhawks, her knowledge of movement contributed to the group’s perennial success. She eventually began adjudicating for WGI, where she shared her knowledge with hundreds of groups each year.
As an administrator of the well-known Fred J. Miller Summer Camps, Mary Lynn was heavily involved and guided young instructors as they became professional and positive educators. Her exceptional passion and ability to nurture talent created a safe environment for aspiring instructors and performers to learn.
“It is hard to put into words how valuable her lessons were as a young instructor,” Bart Woodley, Director of Operations for WGI, said. “Many of the people I taught with during those summers are still involved in the activity, and we can attribute our growth to her unparalleled wisdom and positivity in those formative years.”
Mary Lynn’s enthusiasm for the growth of the activity has certainly left a mark on everyone lucky enough to know her.
“Mary Lynn is alive in my heart and in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Even in the most challenging times, she had an extraordinary and indomitable spirit, grit, and determination. She moved through the world with an almost childlike optimism”, said Ron Nankervis, CEO of WGI. “I was made better for being in her light. We all were. My deepest condolences to her family and all those who, like all of us, loved her very much.”
