Darlene C. Marek

Darlene Clara Marek, passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 5th, 2025 in Grand Rapids Michigan at the age of 89. 

Darlene Marek, or Grandma Marek as her grandkids called her, was born on September 27th, 1936. She was lovingly adopted at a very young age and raised by Cecilia and Horace Anderson (aka “Grandpa Red” ...the most awesome great grandpa you ever met!). She was a lifelong resident of Michigan and always resided in the West Michigan area, spending the last three decades near Sparta just off from Camp Lake.

Darlene married at 19 and was a faithful wife to her long-time husband Edward Marek. They married in 1955, shortly after he returned from serving in the Korean War, and they remained faithfully devoted to each other to the very end, even if they did bicker every once and a while! They were married 65 years until Grandpa passed away in 2020; truly a great testament to unconditional marital commitment.

Grandma was a stay-at-home mom with her two sons, Jim and Todd, and three daughters, Kimberly, Denise, and Michelle. She was remembered by family as an amazing home-maker. Later in life she would open up a successful consignment shop in Grand Rapids until her and Grandpa transitioned to selling jewelry and other items at swap meets, flea markets and events. 

It is at these “shows” as they referred to them, where Grandpa and Grandma made their living the last several decades. It was hard work with long hours but they did it together and they loved it. Many of her children and grandchildren had the privilege of helping out during these shows. One granddaughter recalled that when she was young “I was there to help but I didn’t feel like I was that helpful, however, Grandma and Grandpa would always give me money and let me walk around and buy treats”. One friend noted about their demeanor at these shows, that “Darlene and Ed began and ended each day with smiles on their faces, spreading warmth wherever they went.”

Grandma and Grandpa made many lifelong friends while working these events. They were known as a “sweet couple” who helped anybody in need. Another friend and fellow vendor pointed out that “it was the relationships with the other vendors and the longtime customers Darlene loved”. Another friend remembered that “her heart had room for everyone…even when language was a barrier, she found a way to connect. She and my parents would communicate through gestures and smiles…” Grandma's love at these shows was often expressed in bringing donuts or homemade banana bread for friends to enjoy. 

Speaking of banana bread, Grandma’s home was always recognized as a place of good food, generosity, and hospitality. Upon entering, one was always offered a drink or dessert, or perhaps a polish delicacy or invitation to the candy drawer. Grandma wanted to make sure you were comfortable, taken care, and that you felt at home. Over the years, she even opened her home to children or grandchildren who needed a place to stay during times of transition or uncertainty. 

Grandma was warm and generous but also feisty and strong willed at times. Being born during the Great Depression and raised as part of the greatest generation, she had a fighting spirit, even to the very end. Her fighting spirit and strong work ethic even saw her working one last show at the ripe old age of 88! It was after this final show she realized her body couldn’t keep up any longer, but her lively spirit didn’t change!

Perhaps due to her strong will, Grandma didn’t usually like to talk about spiritual matters or faith in Jesus. However, many friends and family continued to pray for her and share Jesus with her, and towards the end of her life, she realized her need for a perfect savior and trusted Him with her soul… praise God! Grandma will certainly be deeply missed: her “warm and great laughter” and her generous and lively spirit, but we have this hope in Jesus Christ, that we will one day see her again. 

Grandma is survived by her daughters Denise Williams, Kimberly (Jim) Williams, and Michelle Marek, and her son James (Sherry) Marek, along with grandchildren Jillian Williams, Racheal Marek, Kelli (Chuck) Copland, Stephanie (Aaron) Shaw, Steve (Tanya) DeWitt, Max Marek, Shelby DeWitt, Tyler Marek, and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews

She is preceded in death by husband Edward, father Horace and Cecilia Anderson, Son Todd Marek, son-in-law Steve DeWitt, Grandsons Michael Marek and Chad Smith, and great grandson Jacob DeWitt.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Camp Lake Baptist Church in Sparta on Friday November 14, 2025. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 followed by the service from 11:00 to 12:00. Everyone is invited for a luncheon afterwards.

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