Born on January 15, 1943, in Roseville, Michigan, Marylene was the third of eleven children born to Anthony and Margaret Brooks.
Marylene was preceded in death by the love of her life Clarence LaBranche, with whom she shared 33 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her son, Brian Hicks.
She is survived by her children: Dennis (Dorene) Hicks; Kevin (Mary) Hicks; Ken (Lori) Hicks; Patty (Clark) Bruder; Dawn LaBranche-Trevarrow; Michael LaBranche; Tim (Donnell) LaBranche; Trish LaBranche-May. She leaves behind 15 grandchildren: Ailene, Dennis, Connor, Michelle, Megan, Kelly, Paige, Emily, Erin, Faith, Drew, Ben, Nathan, Evan, and Nick—and one great-granddaughter, Robin.
Marylene worked for 25 years at Brownies on the Lake, where her sassy personality and stellar work ethic left a lasting impression on all she met. She may have been tiny in stature, but she was mighty in strength and could be a force to reckon with if you tested her. She retired from Brownies to care for her grandchildren and then used her accounting and customer service skills to work at H&R Block and David’s Bridal, making many friends along the way. Marylene was diagnosed with lymphoma which forced her into retirement, otherwise I assure you she would still be working.
Among her greatest accomplishments was raising four children as a single working mother. Which took a lot of grit and determination to keep them on the straight and narrow! (Mainly the boys). Watching her kids in sports she grew a love for football and baseball and could be a dangerous spectator to sit near during a game. Marylene was a talented seamstress and had a passion for knitting and crocheting in her spare time. Marylene also loved to shop with her best friend Debbie Ireland, which showed in her impeccable style and massive wardrobe and shoe collection. Marylene really loved to dance and even won a few dance contests in her youth!
A viewing will be held on Monday, July 28 at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Catholic Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Isaac Jogues Church in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, an organization close to the family's heart.
Marylene was a strong woman who we were lucky to call mom, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
