Marlene Sue (Marshall) Kelly

Marlene Sue Kelly was a devoted mother, proud grandmother, compassionate nurse, and cherished friend who will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Born and raised in Long Beach, California, Marlene grew up alongside her beloved sister, the late Darlene Blodgett (Richard), guided by the loving example of her parents, John Franklin Wesley and Eleanor Mae Marshall. Those early years helped shape the warmth, strength, and dedication that defined her throughout her life.

Marlene devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her own family. She lovingly raised her children, Mike Kelly (wife Corry-Lyn) and Alisa Sherwood, in Lake Tahoe, California. Her life’s journey later led her to Palm Springs, California, and eventually to Clarkston, Michigan, where she settled and continued to build a life rich in family, love, and connection, surrounded by her grandchildren.

For most of her professional life, Marlene served as a Registered Nurse, a role she carried with immense pride and purpose. She worked in the emergency room, taught paramedics, flew as a flight nurse, and ran a regional trauma center. Nursing was more than a career—it was a calling that reflected her deep compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to helping others in their most critical moments.

Outside of her work, Marlene embraced life with enthusiasm. She was an avid golfer, loved to travel, and always held a special place in her heart for California. As her family grew, her greatest joy came from watching her grandchildren grow and flourish. She was endlessly proud of her grandchildren—Ryan Sherwood, Makenna Williams, Brooke Kelly, Abby Sherwood, Tanner Kelly, and Skylar Kelly—each of whom held a unique and cherished place in her heart.

Marlene’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and quiet strength. She will be remembered for her caring spirit, her pride in both her family and her profession, and the unwavering love she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

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