Marlene Kay Saum, age 78, of Bradenton, Florida, formerly of Williamston, Michigan, passed away on February 26, 2024. She was born on April 13, 1945 in Lansing, Michigan; graduated from Grand Ledge High School and then from Michigan State University.

She was predeceased in death by parents, Glen and Thursa Smith; twin sisters, Donna and Bonna Smith, and brother, Glenn Smith Jr. Survivors include her beloved husband of nearly 55 years, John E. Saum; sons, Eric (Erica) Saum of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Adam (Erica Joy) of Farmington Hills, Michigan; 5 granddaughters, Gracey and Zoe Saum of Massachusetts, and Elizabeth, Addison and Emily Saum of Michigan; sister, Mary Ann (Donald) Garlock of Grand Ledge, Michigan/Apache Junction, Arizona; sister-in-law, Norma Oakley-Smith of Petoskey, Michigan; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marlene was an active member of Living Lord Lutheran Church, having chaired the Altar Guild, and was a member of the Michigan State University Alumni Association. She had a warm loving kindness within her and was continuously building friendships with others. She always had friends around her to play golf, Bridge or Mah Jongg. She truly enjoyed being with friends for fun activities at Peridia, and taking trips with longtime friends from around the country. She also had a love of reading and enjoyed spending time at the beach. Yet even with all of this, family was most important to her. When Marlene was with her children and beautiful granddaughters experiencing new activities and making memories, it was a great day indeed. She genuinely did not care what the family was doing when they were together, whether it was playing cards, relaxing at the pool, experiencing a new adventure, or enjoying a meal, being in the presence of each other was all that she desired. A smile was guaranteed, and her eyes would sparkle, as her granddaughters' shared stories of their activities and life happenings. Distance may have been kept in miles, but her love for her family knew no boundary.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Living Lord Lutheran Church Memorials in Marlene's name, or to a charity of your choice in her name.

Services will be held at Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202 on April 20, 2024 at 10:30 AM (Rte 70 at Lakewood Ranch Blvd.). Luncheon to follow at Peridia Golf and Country Club, 4950 Peridia Blvd. E, Bradenton.