Marguerite J. Staten

Marguerite Staten spent her lifetime caring for others in her family, in her church and in her community. She was an exceptionally loving mother to her own children, the neighborhood kids, and the schoolchildren she looked out for. She had a welcoming smile with a life-of-the-party personality. Marge never met a stranger she didn’t like. Marguerite Jean Staten was born May 28, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Earl and Lucille Whitlock. She was the oldest of 13 children. Preceding her in death was four brothers, Earl, Richard, Paul, and Steve, and one sister, Rita Somers. Marguerite, affectionally known as Marge, attended Christ the King Elementary School and graduated from Immaculate High School in Detroit in 1952. In her early years, she worked with her Uncle Ed at his newspaper stand in downtown Detroit where she met the love of her life, the late LeRoi M. Staten, whom she later married. Marge lived a full life of service committed to her family, friends, and faith. She was an active member of St. Gregory the Great and worked in the rectory and church. In 1974, she became a member of St. Mary’s of Redford Catholic Church where she remained a member for 49 years. For over 20 years, she worked as a concession manager for the Detroit Red Wings at the Olympia and Joe Louis Arenas. She served for many years as a waitress and hostess at The Montrose, a well-known neighborhood establishment. One of her most cherished jobs was working at St. Mary’s of Redford Grade School as a teacher’s aide, lunch mother, library assistant and office coordinator. She also enjoyed working with the beloved Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, sharing meals and enjoying special times with them. Her family was the joy of her life. Her children enjoyed celebrating her milestone birthdays with elaborate themed parties with extended family, friends and loved ones. She loved to dance and impressed everyone with her smooth dance moves. She was a huge Bruno Mars fan and enjoyed listening to him while tapping her feet and singing along. She enjoyed her annual Frankenmuth bonding trips with her sisters and nieces, a tradition they started almost 30 years ago. Marge loved working on crossword puzzles in the Detroit Newspaper, watching Jeopardy, various quiz show programs, gardening, and planting flowers. She faithfully prayed the rosary daily at 3:00 p.m.. She dedicated her time volunteering for St. Vincent de Paul, Sisters Home Visitors of Mary, and was an active member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court 196. She frequently donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, one of her many favorite charities. Upon moving to the Fountains at Franklin Senior Community in 2010, she immediately became the star resident and was well-known for the many roles that she played including leading bingo and keno games, serving as the floor captain, and setting up for the onsite Catholic masses. She was dearly missed by her friends at the Fountains when she recently moved to live with her two daughters. Marge was loved by many. She leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved daughters, Karen (Hank) Adams, Kathy (Han) Morgan, Michele Brantley, Marleana Staten, Marjorie Staten, Maria Bobo, beloved son, Kevin (Beverly) Speights, and stepson Leroy Staten, Jr.; two sisters, Ilene Pender and Esther Handel; and five brothers, Thomas Whitlock, James (Linda) Whitlock, John (Teresa) Whitlock, Kenneth (Jo Karen) Whitlock, Joseph (Julie) Whitlock, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a godson. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the family for distribution to Marge’s favorite charities.

Marguerite J. Staten

May 28, 1934 - June 11, 2023