Marianne T. Stein

Marianne T. Stein, age 96, of Lansing, formerly of Laingsburg passed away on November 14, 2025. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 21, 2025 at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 310 N. Crum St., Laingsburg, MI 48848. Rev. Fr. Robert C. Bacik will celebrate. Interment will take place at Reed Cemetery, Laingsburg. The family will receive friends from 4-7:00 PM on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, 203 E. First North St., Laingsburg, MI 48848 as well as one hour prior to the Mass on Friday.
Born on April 29, 1929, in Syracuse, New York, to Claude and Mildred (Thurston) Treiber, Marianne's early years were filled with the warmth of a close-knit family, including her sister Barbara and her brother Patrick.
Marianne was a graduate of Syracuse Central High School, Class of 1945. Her pursuit of a nursing career led her to a fateful meeting with Donald Negus, Sr. in 1947. Their love flourished, and upon Donald's return from World War II service, they married on May 14, 1949, at Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Syracuse, NY. The couple's journey brought them to Michigan in 1965, when Donald found work with Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company. They built a life rich in love and family joy until Donald's passing in 1994. Marianne's heart, vast in its capacity to love, found companionship again with Thomas D. Stein, whom she married on May 5, 2001, in Laingsburg. Though their time together was brief, with Thomas passing in 2004, their union was a source of great happiness for her.
Marianne's life was distinguished by her devotion to her family and her community. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Donald (Deborah) Negus, Jr., Susan (Jeffery) Oswald, Julie (Vern) Klein, Jonathan (Ydolina) Negus, and Sarah Garza; stepson, Jeff (Janet) Stein; and her cherished grandchildren, Angela (Thomas), Michael, Ian, Benjamin (Stephanie), Lucas, Nathan, Patrick, Marley, Rowan, Ethan, Duncan, Emma, Taylor (Chad), and Christian (Zada); as well as her adored great-grandchildren, Thomas, Arlo, Maeve, Eliana, Greyson, Aubrielle, Kaiah, and Isaiah. Her light will continue to shine in the lives of all those she touched.
Marianne's professional life was marked by her tenure as an Office Manager at Woldumar Nature Center, where she worked from 1975-1992. However, she often expressed that her proudest achievement was nurturing her home and raising her children. Her selfless love and dedication to family were the hallmarks of her existence.
A woman of deep Christian faith, Marianne was a long-standing member of St. Isidore Church, and her belief was the cornerstone of her life. Even though she was not able to attend church in person, she still practiced her faith each day.
Her interests were as varied as they were passionate. A proud member of the Garden Club of Greater Lansing. An avid Bridge player, she was a part of four different bridge clubs, where her sharp mind and competitive spirit were well known. Marianne also dedicated many years to the Victor Twp. Historical Society, preserving the stories and heritage of her community.
Marianne's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with the threads of compassion, service, and the joy she found in simple pleasures.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Elara Caring Hospice Foundation at elara.com or to Woldumar Nature Center at woldumar.org
Memories, photos, and condolences may be shared at www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com.