Marlene Mae Keen

Marlene Mae Keen, age 86, of Chesterton, Indiana, originally from Hillsboro, Illinois, went home to be with our Lord on December 29, 2021.

She was born April 13, 1935, and was preceded in death by her parents, Golden Edith and Charles Shelton.  Weighing in at 2 pounds, and placed in a box with a light bulb for heat.  The 86 year old version of an incubator.

She is survived and gave birth to a son and five daughters.  Her son was given up for adoption at birth, during a time when unwed mothers were not acceptable and records were sealed.  She was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Mercedes.  Marlene is survived by her four daughters, Mary (Tim) Kelly, Shirley (Scott) Patellis, Pamela (Jim) Cronin, and Darlene (Thom) Nelson; thirteen grandchildren, and thirty-one great-grandchildren.

Also preceded in death by her daughter's father, John Gualandi; and her second husband, Frederick Keen; three stepsons, Tommy, Larry, and Lonnie.  Surviving stepchildren, Jim Keen, Linda Keen, Marvin Keen, Dennis (Sally) Keen, Marlene (Mike) Parris, Marcy (Bob) Hassel, Maria Sanchez, Melody Maldonado, and a multitude of grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren.  Their own version of Little House On the Prairie (AKA: The Farm)

Her faith sustained her through being trapped in a car fire with her husband, Fred and stepson, Dennis, a septic gallbladder, the loss of her sister, Rosemary Sayers (Steve), and niece Judy Larsen to cancer, the loss of her half brother, James Erp, and half sister, Marion DalCanton, and finally a broken femur.

Her Highway To Heaven has been a steadfast model of love for God and family.  Unless you mess with one of her girls...

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 5, 2022, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. with Funeral Services 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. from Evergreen Baptist Church 2005 Cool Springs  Ave. /Trail Creek in Michigan City, Indiana 46360.  Entombment Swan Lake Memorial Gardens Michigan City, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Mrs. Keen's honor to the Light of Life Food Pantry where she volunteered for many years.

MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL ATTENDEES VACCINATED OR UNVACCINATED !! 

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