Marlene M. Greiner's Obituary
With love in our hearts, we celebrate the life of our beloved “Queen Mum,” Marlene M. Greiner, age 93, who passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, at Regency of Fremont in Michigan.
Marlene was a Christmas baby, born December 25, 1932, to Reginald and Daisy Bennett in Trowbridge, England. Her early life was shaped by loss and the realities of the Second World War. She spent many of her childhood years in the Morecambe Bay area, where she developed her signature resilience and determination.
A strong-willed and spirited soul, Marlene was always up for an adventure. At the age of 15, her father booked her passage on the SS Veendam to Hoboken, New Jersey. With courage, she crossed the ocean alone to become a devoted companion to her sister, Pearl, who lived in Michigan.
Marlene was a skilled seamstress. She designed and sewed everything from Halloween costumes to glamorous gowns and pageant dresses, often stitching sequins one by one with precision and care—even crafting the occasional bikini. She later spent many years working at Joann Fabrics, where she helped countless customers take their ideas and turn fabric and patterns into something beautiful.
Marlene loved her family. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lowell Whitaker; her second husband, John J. “Jack” Greiner; her brother, Roy Bennett; and her two sisters, Pearl Kartes and Mavis Meade.
She is survived by her seven children: Lolene (Mike) Osborn, Paul Greiner, Margaret Alexander, Barb (Rodney) Schultz, Joanne Saxe, Patty (Scott) King, and Jim (Keren) Greiner; along with nine grandchildren—Amy, Jeremy, Gabrielle, Megan, Kyle, Tyler, Evan, Lauren, and Nolan—and seven great-grandsons.
Marlene will be interred at Egelston Township Cemetery with a private graveside service. All family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life in honor of Marlene, to be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 17835 Wildwood Springs Parkway, Spring Lake. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Michigan Symphony, 360 W Western Ave STE 200, Muskegon, MI 49440, https://westmichigansymphony.org .
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442. Share memories with the family at https://sytsemafh.com.
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