Renee I. Szakacs

Renee Irene Szakacs, a woman whose vibrant spirit and infectious energy brightened the lives of everyone she met, passed away with her companion, Scot Boyd, in Baldwin, on Sunday, October 5, 2025, after sustaining injuries in a tragic motorcycle accident. Renee was 54. Her sudden departure has left a hole in the hearts of her family, friends and community that is impossible to fill.
Renee was born on March 13, 1971, in Owosso, Michigan, to Milton and Nancy (Goodheart) McLain. In 1989 she graduated from Owosso High School. Renee was a breast cancer survivor whose resilience and strength defined her. Prior to cancer, she earned her master's degree and built a successful career as a radiation therapist and had been accepted into a program to earn her doctorate.
She was not one to sit still. Renee poured her energy into working at the Moose Lodge, where she never met a stranger and put her whole heart into everything she did, leaving no doubt about her passion or commitment. On December 16, 2015 she married Zackary Szakacs and they made their home on the river where they could enjoy each other's company until his passing in November of 2020.
Renee was known to be the life of the party. She was loving and kind, direct and genuine in nature, and was not afraid to tell you the truth. She approached life and people with honesty and warmth. A godly woman with strong convictions, Renee had deep respect for others and would not tolerate disrespect in return.
Renee had a gift for crocheting and tried to pass her knowledge onto others. She loved nature, feeding the birds, fishing, and watching football, especially the Lions. Her greatest joy and deepest love was reserved for her family. She fiercely loved her boys and her grandbabies, cherishing them as much as they cherished her. Renee was a beautiful, insistent force of nature whose unforgettable presence will be profoundly missed.
Renee is survived by; her loving children, Christopher (Britnee) Easlick, Thomas Easlick and Robbie (Tessa) Easlick; her beloved grandchildren, Jaxten, Coen, Zenlee, Lilly, Chasez, Violet and Jewelz; siblings, Laurie (Randy) Schmidtfranz and Michael (Ella) McLain; father at heart, Gary Clark; many extended family members, and a large community of friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Renee was preceded in death by: her beloved husband, Zach; sister, Robbie Leftwich; and parents, Milton McLain and Nancy Clark.
Services for Renee will be held at 2PM on Saturday, October 11th at the Corey Funeral Home in Evart with visitation two hours prior, noon to 2PM. Family and friends are encouraged to shoulder each other's sorrows and share stories to carry on the legacy of such an amazing woman. They appreciate the outpouring of support and request memorial contributions be made to the South Evart Community Methodist Church, where she and Scot attended. Renee's obituary can be found on the Corey Funeral Home website at www.coreyfuneralhome.com