Marion Jean Fenlon

Marion Jean Fenlon, age 88, of St. Ignace, Michigan, died Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at Evergreen Living Center in St. Ignace. She was born March 30, 1926 in Moran Township, Michigan to Cecil Smith and Anna Eleanor (Trerice) Smith. Marion was the ninth of twelve children in her family. She attended Gros Cap Elementary School and graduated from St. Ignace High School. Following high school, she worked as a nurse’s aide during World War II. Marion married Jack Raymond Fenlon on August 26, 1947 when he returned from serving in the United States Navy. Together they raised their family in St. Ignace where all of her children and grandchildren attended Gros Cap School as she had. Having grown up in a large family, she loved people and was always interested in and concerned for others. During their retirement years Marion and Jack loved to travel and they made new friends in many states. Marion enjoyed her first airplane trip at age 80. Marion was a member of the United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school for many years and a member of the United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Moose Lodge #999. Marion loved to sew and sewed clothing for her children and grandchildren. For many years, Marion taught sewing to children in 4-H. She also knitted many afghans. Marion loved to watch sports, especially tennis; play cards with friends and family, especially her grandchildren whom she taught to play poker; tell stories; joke with and tease people; and cook and bake. She was a gracious hostess who welcomed people into her home. Marion is survived by three daughters, Barbara (Tom) Alkire, Judy (Tom Harrington) Fenlon, and Kim (fiancé, Michael Mortenson) Fenlon and son, Jerry (Susan) Fenlon, all of St. Ignace. She is also survived by grandchildren Nathan (Kristin) Alkire, Travis (Deborah) Alkire, Aaron (Dana) Schlehuber, Michael (Angie) Fenlon, Mandy (Matt) Bowlby, Natalie (Rob Rivest Jr.) Forstyek, Amber (Andy) Sadoun, Nolan (fiancé, Sarah Jones) Welch, Ian Welch, and Aaron Welch. Surviving great grandchildren are Zoe Alkire, Brendan Alkire, Tripp Alkire, Logan Lukehart, Patric Schlehuber, Alex Martin, Brianna Martin, Avery Schlehuber, Jace Fenlon, Mirra Fenlon, Victoria Forstyek, Matthew Rivest, Isabela Rivest, Grady Schlehuber, and Wendi Martin. Also surviving are brothers, Arden (Rosalie) Smith of Iron Mountain, Michigan, Vernor (Patricia) Smith of St. Johns, Michigan, and Norman (Nancy) Smith of St Ignace; sister-in-law, Bonnie Smith of Ithaca, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews who referred to her as their favorite aunt. Marion was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack on June 9, 2009; brothers, Marvin, Clifford, Elvin, Clayton, Kent, Howard Erwin, and Lee Smith; and her sister, Dorothy Berson. Visitation will be held Friday, November 28 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. and Saturday, November 29 from 9:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church, 615 W. I-75 Business Loop in St Ignace. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 29 at 10:00 A.M. at the church with Pastor Susie Hierholzer conducting the service. Burial will be in Fenlon Cemetery on Chard Road in Hessel, Michigan, in the spring. Aaron Schlehuber, Michael Fenlon, Nathan Alkire, Travis Alkire, Nolan Welch, Aaron Welch, and Patric Schlehuber will serve as pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Evergreen Living Center-Activities Fund, 1140 N. State Street, Building B, St. Ignace, MI 49781.

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Marion Jean Fenlon

March 30, 1926 - November 25, 2014