Marcella G. Slocum

Mrs. Marcella G. (Mierle) Slocum, age 86, passed away Friday, February 22, 2008 at the Poppen Residence. Marcella was born August 20, 1921 in Muskegon to Marcus and Kate (Loverenich) Mierle and lived in the area her entire life. On September 25, 1946, she married Donald L. Slocum in Muskegon and he preceded her in death on February 23, 2006 after 59 years of marriage. Marcella was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church where she was very active volunteering for the food pantry, soup kitchen, Religious Education Teacher, the Ladies Guild and Collection Counter Ministry. Don and Marcella sent numerous cards to the sick and home-bound on behalf of the parish as they chaired the Home Bound Ministry. They also volunteered for several years to help support the Annual Spaghetti Dinner. They hosted a parish bible study in their home for many years. Marcella was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court #599. She also volunteered several years as a tour guide for the Hackley House. Marcella enjoyed knitting and found a special hobby baking wedding cakes for many of her family and friends. She will be greatly missed. SURVIVORS include 1 daughter, Ann L. (Larry) Tilford and 1 son, Donald G. Slocum both of Muskegon; 1 son-in-law, David Soli of Detroit; 5 grandchildren, Larry (Jennifer) and Barry Tilford, David, Donald, and Kristin Soli; 2 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann and Nolan Guy Tilford; 1 brother, Matthew Mierle of Muskegon; 2 brothers-in-law, Robert Slocum of Grand Haven and Lewis Slocum of Muskegon; 2 sisters-in-law, Virginia (Tom) Wall of Grand Haven and Mary Mierle of Muskegon, many nieces and nephews; and her 2 valued pet companions, "Tilly" and "Tinker". She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Verna Mae Soli in 1996. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 11:00 AM Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Michael P. Olson as celebrant. INTERMENT will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery. VISITATION with Marcella's family will be 2-4 and 6-8 PM Friday at The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. The Rosary will be prayed at 2:00 PM Friday afternoon.