Marlene was born in Muskegon, Michigan in 1940, the daughter of Earl and Esther (Tiefenthal) Alvord. She attended Muskegon Heights High School and attended California College for Respiratory Therapy and received her certification as a Certified Respiratory Therapist in 1981. She worked as a Technician for St. Luke's Hospital from 1972-1976 and as a Respiratory Therapist at Muskegon General Hospital from 1976-1979. She served as the Regional Director of Lung Care Inc. in Muskegon, Michigan from 1979-1986. Marlene was a successful business woman.
Marlene was an avid cribbage player, playing competitively with her husband daily for many years. She loved cooking for her family and friends, enjoyed arts and crafts making a variety of hand-made 3D flowered art to share as gifts, enjoyed music and dancing, going to concerts, and traveling. She especially enjoyed her trip to NYC and many trips to Disneyland with her children and grandchildren. One of her fondest memories was a slumber party with her daughter Renee and her granddaughters. She attended Sun Lakes United Methodist Church in Chandler, Arizona. Marlene never knew a stranger, making friends with everyone she met. Never was her pride and courage more evident than during her battle with Alzheimer's. She had a smile for everyone.
Marlene was preceded in death by her son, Francis "Bub" D'Avignon, Jr.; brothers, Bob, Edward, and Jerry; sister, Nancy. She is survived by her devoted husband William "Bill" Lee; two sons, Dennis D'Avignon and William (Gemma) D'Avignon; daughter, Renee Fitzpatrick; step-daughter, Lori (Kevin) Smith; two step-sons, Kurt (Mary) Lee and Mark (Bekky) Lee; grandchildren, Steven D'Avignon, Michelle D'Avignon, Nina Hollinshead, Tricia D'Avignon, Eric D'Avignon, William D'Avignon II, Bryce Fitzpatrick, Breah Young, Kenny Smith, Kolin (Lucy) Smith, Kailey Smith, Sarah (David) Detmer, Derek (Toni) Lee, Travis (Rosemary) Lee, Nathan (Hannah) Lee, Daniel (Jenny) Garrett; eleven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Marlene's life will be held during the summer in Michigan. For those who wish, memorials may be made to Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, Arizona, 85248.
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