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Helen (Mariin) Schroeder

GLADSTONE, MI – Helen (Mariin) Schroeder, age 78, passed away Friday morning, April 29th, 2022, in Gladstone.

She was born in 1943, in Escanaba, the daughter of Hugo and Allie (Lancour) Mariin. Helen was raised and attended school in Trenary where she graduated as valedictorian in her class. Naturally gifted with musical talent, Helen relocated to Milwaukee, WI, in the 1960s and was a singer with the Allen Bradley Orchestra and Chorus, traveling throughout the U.S and Canada performing favorites of the time. While working, Helen met her future husband, Lee Matthews, who was a Trombonist in the Allen Bradley Orchestra.

After retiring from performing, they welcomed their son, Douglas, in 1969. She was a loving and devoted mother who had a knack for cooking, baking, and hosting large family gatherings.

She loved to be outside, whether it be gardening or walking.

Helen also had fond memories of living in cabins on both Round Lake and Moccasin Lake in the Hiawatha National Forest. It was there that she met and married Marshall Schroeder in the 1980s. He was raised in Munising, and became a teacher downstate, so the school year was spent there, then they came north for the summers. Eventually they retired to Florida and became snowbirds to their camps in the U.P. They enjoyed snowbird life of nice weather year-round and golf, gardening, fishing, boating, visiting friends, etc.

Her love of music continued throughout life, even into her later years singing karaoke with her family and playing the piano. She had a passion for animals, especially her beloved dogs. She had a very big heart and her family will remember her goodness and lively personality.

Helen is survived by her son, Doug (Wendi) Matthews of Escanaba; sister, Lynn (Jim) Ritenour of Portage, MI; brother-in-law, Duane Birk; nieces, Lana (Dennis), Alissa (Ronnie), Jessica (Matt), and Melissa and her nephews, Todd (Rosa) and Craig.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall Schroeder; brother, David Mariin; sister, Laurel Birk; and nephews, Martin Birk and Rick Birk.

In accordance with her wishes, private family funeral services were held. In lieu of flowers, Helen wished for donations to be made to the Delta County Animal Shelter.

The Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone assisted the family and online remembrances can be shared at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.