Marcia Jean Tisdel's Obituary
Marcia Jean (Frandsen) Tisdel’s journey began on February 5, 1954 in Lakeview, MI. She was the beloved daughter and only child of Alger and Shirley (Buckley) Frandsen. She spent her childhood in the same house in Lakeview. As a sweet and innocent young woman of 22, she met and later married the love of her life, Duane Tisdel on June 11, 1977.
For 43 years, Marcia was a devoted wife to Duane and a loving mother to Mark and Darcie. When their children married, Marcia anxiously awaited grandchildren, but not one to ever “pry”, she “prayed” instead, and her prayers paid off, for, from two children, she managed to gain nine grandchildren, the oldest of which is 16, all adorable and dearly loved and cherished.
Marcia so loved children that as a young woman, she chose teaching as a career, earning degrees in both general elementary education and music from Central Michigan University. Her teaching career included Kalkaska Public, Muskegon Heights Public and a final career move, she landed the position of elementary music teacher at Mona Shores Public Schools where she taught until she retired in 2012. As a teacher, she was beloved by all, teachers and students alike.
Besides her love for Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, Marcia’s second greatest love has always been her family. For years, she has been the sole caregiver for her mother and her aunt, Leone Whittum, dutifully taking them to doctor’s appointments, seeing to their every need, and providing them with books, treats, and whatever else their hearts desired.
Her beautiful grandchildren meant the world to her. She happily and fervently taught them the value of the arts, piano and voice primarily, but also the importance of reading. As every Christmas and birthday rolled around, each grandchild could count on receiving at least one book from Grandma.
After Marcia retired from teaching, she began a second career in piano and voice instruction. Over the years, she taught many people, both children and adults, the basics of piano and voice, and her spring recitals were always the highlight of the year.
Marcia had a beautiful way of loving people. She was kind, welcoming, and never met a stranger. She had a heart for affirming others and making them feel loved and important. She will always be remembered for her lovely, warm smile and her joyful, Godly spirit.
Jesus took her by the hand and led her to her eternal home on May 17, 2021.
She was preceded in death by her father Alger Frandsen and her in-laws Gailard and Charlotte (Jones) Tisdel. She is survived by her precious husband, Duane and their beloved children, Mark (Krista) Tisdel and their children, Gavin, Mason, and Madelyn and Darcie (Rich) Jackson and their six children, Grace, Joy, Christian, Luke, Elijah, and Seth. She is also survived by her mother, Shirley Frandsen and her aunt, Leone Whittum.
Marcia’s celebration of life will be on Friday, May 21 at 1 pm at All Shores Wesleyan Church (15550 Cleveland St, Spring Lake, MI 49456). Family and friends may visit with the family from 11am – 1pm. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St, Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Marcia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marcia?
Share a story where Marcia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marcia you’ll never forget.
How did Marcia make you smile?
