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Marjorie Eleanor (Brand) McConnell, age 90, of Portage, and longtime former Sturgis resident, passed away on February 28, 2023 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.
Marjorie was born on January 15, 1933 in Ann Arbor to George and Eleanor (Cook) Lutz and lived a long life filled with love.
She married her 7th grade sweetheart, John Brand, on June 12, 1955, and together they built a wonderful life. They were able to travel from Georgia to San Diego to Japan to Tennessee. Finally settling in Michigan, they had three children, David, Andy, and Laurie. As a family they loved being with friends and family, sports, camping, and playing games. As the family grew, Marge and John took pride in what their kids enjoyed and would attend sporting events, concerts, and recitals. As their children married and had families, Marge was an ever present “Grams” and continued the trek to wherever the grandkids were. She loved her family without measure. When John passed in 2003, she continued to support her kids with her presence and positive attitude.
A servant at heart and dedicated to her craft, Marge graduated from Grace Hospital School of Nursing in Detroit, and worked as a registered nurse from 1954 to 2000. A groundbreaker, she was the first industrial nurse at Ross Laboratories (Abbott) for sixteen years. Marge started her own business “Nutrition at Its Best” in 1987 and finished her nursing career as a Home Health Care nurse where she enjoyed going to people’s homes and administering nursing protocol with love and patience to those she met.
Love struck twice when Marge was reacquainted with Larry McConnell and on September 25, 2004, they married. What a pair! They combined love, energy, faith, and family to live happily together for 18+ years.
Marge was a member of the Sturgis Exchange Club, served on the ARCH Workshop Board, and enjoyed reading, sewing, crocheting, nutrition, and exercise. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Holy Angels Catholic Church. Marge was a loyal friend and a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who leaves us all with a legacy of optimism.
Surviving are her husband: Larry McConnell; her children: Dave (Lynn) Brand, Andy Brand, Laurie (Steve)Stroup; her grandchildren: Charissa (Spence)Groves, Tim, Isaac, and Anna Brand, Hannah (Jeff) Batt, Benji (Emmy)Stroup, and Sarah Stroup; and her great grandchildren: Tanner, Collin, and Owen Groves; her McConnell kids: Kathleen, Karen, Brian, Maureen, and Amy and their beautiful families.
She was preceded in death by her first husband John Brand, her parents, and her two sisters.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. A memorial service celebrating the life of Marjorie E. Brand McConnell will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 200 Pleasant Street in Sturgis on Saturday, March 18, at 1:00 with long-time friend Robert Keim officiating. A private burial will take place at a later date.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate, give to the John Brand Memorial Fund at the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, 310 N Franks Ave, Sturgis, MI 49091.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
