Marlene P. Harris

Marlene was born on Dec. 2, 1936, in Spalding, Mich., to Maximillian and Catherine (Minnerek) Piontek. She was raised in Bark River and graduated from Bark River High School in 1954.

On Aug. 13, 1960, Marlene was married in Escanaba, Mich., to Richard Harris. They would go on to enjoy 57 loving years together. She received her master’s degree in education from Northern Michigan University and taught in the Munising area and then at North Central Area Schools for more than three decades, until her retirement in 1992.

Marlene was a devoted member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Bark River, and was deeply proud of her Catholic faith. She was an active and passionate member of the church choir, and took great pleasure in singing at Mass for many years. She was also a member of the Michigan Retired Teachers Association, Bay Sages and the Bay de Noc Square Dance Club. Marlene loved traveling with her friends on bus tours.

In addition to her husband, Richard, Marlene is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (William) Lynch of Greenville, Wis.; grandchildren, Christine Lynch, Jennifer (Samuel) Jefferies and Laura Lynch; and great-granddaughter, Leah Jefferies.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Rose Pujazon, and niece, Joan Wabschall.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 25, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Chapel in Bark River. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Brian Gerber officiating.

Remembrances can be sent to the Crawford Funeral Home.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Harris family.