Marian Louise Erickson, 82, passed away surrounded by love and family on Feb. 1, 2026.
She was born on July 11, 1943, in St. Joseph to George and Sophie Erickson. Marian was the middle child of three, preceded by her brother, George and followed by her sister, Annette.
Marian spent her early years in St. Joseph, where she excelled academically, enjoyed close friendships, and worked at the local Tasty Freeze – an experience she fondly credited with sparking her lifelong love of ice cream. Her dedication to education earned her a scholarship to the University of Michigan in 1961. She later transferred to Wayne State University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and graduated in 1965.
While attending Wayne State, Marian met her future husband, Richard. The two married in 1967 and later moved to East Lansing while Richard attended Michigan State University. It was there that Marian developed a deep and lasting devotion to the Michigan State Spartans.
In 1970, Marian and Richard moved to Charlotte, Mich., where she became an active and beloved member of the community. She worked at the local newspaper, joined a volleyball league, and brought joy to many children through her creative character, the “Lacy Lady.” Marian embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, welcoming her son, Brad in 1972 and her daughter, Leslie in 1975. She was a devoted, imaginative, and playful mother who filled her home with laughter and creativity.
Following her divorce in 1982, Marian built a full and meaningful life as a single mother. She became active in the League of Women Voters, the local Food Co-op, and formed deep friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her love of conversation, community, and connection was evident wherever she went.
In 1990, Marian returned to Michigan State University, where she worked in the human resources department for 20 years, retiring in 2010. During this time, she became one of MSU’s most enthusiastic supporters, attending countless basketball and football games, proudly cheering on the Spartans.
Marian became a grandmother in 1991 with the birth of her grandson, Kyle, a role she cherished deeply. She later delighted in spending time with her grandchildren Lilly and Sawyer, sharing her love of learning, culture and fun-filled adventures.
Passionate about health and wellness, Marian eventually embraced a vegan lifestyle, which became one of her greatest passions. She shared this commitment enthusiastically with family and friends, inspiring many – including her sister, Annette and her children: Brad and Leslie – to follow in her footsteps.
In her later years, Marian lived in Lansing, where she enjoyed gardening, earning recognition for her beautiful front entry, caring for her beloved cats, Mitts and Polly, and co-founding a vegan potluck group. In 2021, she relocated to North Carolina to be closer to her family, quickly building a new circle of friends and even starting a Euchre club at the senior center.
Marian will be remembered for her intelligence, curiosity, generosity, and unmistakable joy for life. She had a rare gift for making people feel welcome and understood, and her laughter, conversations, and kindness will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her children: Brad and Leslie; her grandchildren: Kyle, Lilly and Sawyer; her brother, George; her sister, Annette; and many extended family members and dear friends.
Please come join us in a memorial celebration of Marian’s life from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Service Details
Visitation
When
March 1st, 2026 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Where
Starks & Menchinger Chapel
Address
2650 Niles Rd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085