Marien McLive

Marien Jane McLive, age 74, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, at McLaren Hospital. A longtime resident of the Holly area, Marien was born on October 18, 1951, at Grace Hospital in Detroit to Geraldine and Ian McLive.

Marien grew up in Livonia and graduated from Livonia Stevenson High School in 1969, where she lettered in swimming. She went on to attend Northern Michigan University, earning a master’s degree in special education. Northern remained a place and a community she was deeply proud of, and she took special pride in watching members of her own family, including two nieces, follow in her footsteps as graduates.

Marien devoted more than thirty years to teaching special education at Morrish Elementary in Swartz Creek. She was known as a caring and compassionate teacher with deep empathy for her students, but those who knew her best understood that her work went far beyond instruction. She had a rare gift for making children feel seen and valued, often going above and beyond to ensure they knew they mattered.

She fought for students who were misunderstood, protected those who were vulnerable, and believed fiercely in children who had been quietly written off. For many, she did not simply teach them how to learn. She changed the course of their lives.

Though small in stature, Marien had the heart of a lion. She was brilliant, stubborn, quietly defiant, determined, and fiercely protective of the people she loved. She could be your greatest ally or your greatest adversary, depending on whether you were trustworthy or stood in her way. She was quick-witted, deeply loyal, and unafraid to stand her ground when it mattered.

Outside the classroom, Marien loved the outdoors, especially camping and traveling to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She treasured her time at the lake, enjoying water sports, swimming off the pontoon, and teaching her nieces how to ski. She loved wildlife, particularly the deer she watched and fed daily in her backyard.

She was deeply devoted to her dogs Duker, Shemmie, Blue, Maize, and Bo, who traveled by her side and were constant companions. Her love for animals extended beyond her own pets. Marien delighted in spoiling every family dog and cat, often preparing them their own small bags filled with treats.

Being an aunt was one of her greatest joys.

She gave freely of her time, her resources, and her heart to the people she loved. For her youngest brother, Brad, she was a guiding force, offering care and support much like a second mother. As an aunt, she took special pride in supporting her nieces’ small businesses, purchasing their products, promoting their work, and enthusiastically sharing their talents with friends and even strangers.

Marien was preceded in death by her parents, Geraldine and Ian McLive. She is survived by her siblings Marsha McLive, Robert (Joan) McLive, Barbara (Mark) Schulze, and Brad (Tami) McLive; her nieces and nephew Erin (Paul) Sharer, Kelly (Josh) Rectenwald, Brandon McLive, Courtney McLive, Karla (Shawn) Dyer, and Morgan (Kegan) Glover; and her great-nieces and great-nephews James, Hannah, Marlo, Olivia, and Luke. She is also survived by Kevin Zantop, a very special friend of nearly 40 years.

Per her wishes, Marien was cremated. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local animal shelter of the donor’s choice or to Adopt-A-Pet of Fenton at https://www.adoptapetfenton.com, where pet supplies, towels and blankets will be donated in her memory.

Her legacy lives on in the many lives she shaped, protected, and quietly stood beside.