Marlene Donaldson

DONALDSON, Marlene Louise - Age 85, of Swartz Creek, died Saturday January 9, 2021. Per the wishes of the family a private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements provided by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Entombment at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Marlene was born May 4, 1935 in Chesaning, MI, the daughter of Edwin and Bernetta (Yaklin) Gerding. She married Benjamin "Ben" Donaldson Jr. on June 21, 1952 in Flint and he preceded her in death on February 11, 2020. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Mom had a heart of gold. A giving, loving person to all that knew her. Of catholic belief, she was a religious person who practiced and lived her faith each and every day. She was an angel on earth as she will be in heaven. A stay home mom most of her life, later working at Blum’s in Sears at Genesee Valley Mall. Then working several years for American Greetings stocking, tidying greeting cards and supplies at several Flint locations. Over her life, she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening, canning, cooking for her family, and attending, tailgating with her late husband Ben at Michigan football games. Left to cherish her memories are: sons, Rocky (Fay) Donaldson of Gaines, Mark (Diana) Donaldson of Grand Blanc, Tim ( April) Donaldson of Flushing; daughter, Tammy (Jim) Purves of Swartz Creek; grandchildren, Rocky Jr., Kelly, Brian, Marcie, Ryan, Justin, Brooke, Nicole; 11 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Shirley Dreasky of Flushing, Charlotte Kalakay of Swartz Creek and many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Bernetta Gerding; granddaughter, Megan Erickson and brother, Blake Gerding. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.