In memory of ECU professor emeritus Marge Inman
Marge Inman
Marjorie (Marge) Ann Inman, professor emeritus at East Carolina University, passed away on July 30. Her unexpected death occurred while traveling with her husband, Jeff, on a return trip to their home in Manistique, Mich., from vacationing in the Canadian Rockies.
Marge joined ECU in January 1991 as professor and chair of what is now the Department of Interior Design and Merchandising in the College of Human Ecology. Under her administrative leadership, the interior design program flourished, achieving accreditation from what is now the Council for Interior Design Accreditation and program endorsement from the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
As a certified kitchen and bath designer, Inman brought to the design program a specialty area of expertise. Under her instruction, ECU students launched successful careers in the kitchen and bath design profession. She made significant contributions to the development of the body of knowledge in the field of interior design, disseminating over 100 publications and presentations and serving as senior editor of the Journal of Housing and Society.
Inman was known for her study of supportive healthcare facilities for Alzheimer’s patients.
Katherine Swank, chair of the Department of Interior Design and Merchandising, said Inman would be missed. “Marge was an incredible blend of gentle kindness and razor-sharp intelligence. Adding to these ingredients a fun-loving, zest for life made up a marvelous concoction that was uniquely ‘Marge.’ Those of us who had the privilege of working with her will be forever touched by her generosity of spirit,” Swank said.
Funeral services will be held on Aug. 4 at the Church of the Redeemer-Presbyterian in Manistique, Michigan. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Jeff Inman, 1577N Country Club Drive, Manistique, Mich.
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