Marie was born on December 20, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Lucille and Alfred Rousseau. She was a beloved sister to Roger Rousseau, who preceded her in death.
Marie was a lifelong learner with deep intellectual curiosity. She graduated with high honors from Wayne State University in Library Sciences and completed master's degrees at University of Windsor in both Education and Liturgical Storytelling. During her 20-year career as a teacher in the Harper Woods School System she inspired hundreds of students with her kindness and dedication; one of her greatest joys in life was watching her first-class progress from kindergarten to high school graduation.
Marie enjoyed a loving 45-year marriage to the late Frank Van de Putte II, with whom she had five children. She and Frank shared a deep love for their family and cherished summers at their beautiful cottage in Rapid River, Michigan. The couple loved hosting annual 4th of July family get-togethers and weekends with cherished friends overlooking the bay.
After retirement, Marie devoted herself to her community, serving as RCIA director at St. Michael's Parish. There, she met her second husband, the late Thomas Manuszak. She and Tom traveled the globe, learning about cultures, gathering folklore, and sharing her gift for storytelling. Marie was often in character telling stories at the Renaissance Faire, in the classroom, and in church dressed as Job during the Easter vigil. Her vivid stories were deeply valued, touching listeners everywhere she went.
During Marie's most recent chapter, she enjoyed ballroom dancing, Tai Chi at the Senior Center, and entertaining family with her recently departed partner Frank Radzikiewicz. They provided great comfort to each other as they embraced the final season of their lives.
Marie is survived by her children, Jeanne Trebesh (Dennis), Frank Van de Putte III, Karen Belmonte, James Van de Putte (Lana), and Matthew Van de Putte (Sandra). She was preceded in death by her husband and father of her children, Frank Van de Putte II, her second husband Thomas Manuszak, her parents Lucille and Alfred Rousseau, her brother Roger Rousseau, and grandson Jordan Van de Putte. Marie is also survived by many grandchildren, including Kevin (Andrea), Craig (Laura), and Matthew (Samantha) Trebesh; Jim (Katie), Jillian, Drew, and Evan Van de Putte; Lucy Sternburgh (Adam) and Laurel Connolly (Brian); Clair (Paul) and Brian Belmonte; Adriana (Kyle) and Tony (Anna) Dostine. She leaves behind twelve cherished great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Marie will be held Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48035. Instate will be Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 8:30 am until the Funeral Mass at 9:30 am at St. Michael Catholic Community, 40501 Hayes Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48313. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township, Michigan.
