Marie Tavernit

Marie lived life with an adventurous spirit, a sharp wit, and a fiercely protective love for her family. She wasn’t one for pretense or flowery words; Marie showed her love by being entirely present, offering straightforward wisdom, and making sure her people were always taken care of. She moved through the world on her own terms, meeting life’s twists and turns with grit, and a great sense of humor. While she often carried worry for the people she loved, sometimes more than she needed to, she was stronger than she knew.

Marie was born on May 18, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, to Margaret Mercer and joined her older sister, Beverly. Growing up in the Detroit projects, Marie learned early that happiness wasn't measured by how much you had but by how you made the most of what you were given. Affectionately nicknamed "Merm," she often smiled when recalling the excitement of finding a single orange in her Christmas stocking. Those simple moments stayed with her throughout her life and helped shape the grateful, humble woman she became. She graduated from high school and carried those lessons of resilience and appreciation with her into adulthood.

Family was always at the center of Marie's world. She married Ronald Tavernit in 1973, and although their marriage later ended in divorce, Marie never wavered in saying that their three children—Daniel, Paul, and Rachelle—were the greatest blessing of her life. Being their mom was the role she treasured most. She poured herself into raising them, filling their home with love, patience, and plenty of unforgettable moments. Her children loved to tease her about her cooking—especially her generous use of butter—but those meals were made with love, and that is what they remember most. She wasn't one for harsh discipline, and even when she was upset, it rarely took long before everyone was laughing together again.

Marie worked hard to provide for her family. Once her youngest child was in school, she returned to work, first at a tool company and later as a bank teller. Eventually, she found a career with Ford Motor Company, working on the assembly line at Sheldon Road before transferring to Dearborn Truck Plant. Her job gave her financial independence and the peace of mind that came from knowing she could take care of herself and the people she loved. She was proud of what she accomplished through hard work and determination.

After her divorce, Marie welcomed her sister Bev into her home, and the two became even more inseparable than they already were. They shared an unbreakable bond and were happiest when they were simply together. One of their favorite pastimes was "roaming", which was getting in the car with no destination in mind and seeing where the road would take them. They didn't need a plan, they just enjoyed each other's company. Marie missed Bev deeply after her passing in 2009 but always carried her sister close to her heart.

Marie also cherished being an aunt to her niece, Adrienne, and nephew, Geoffrey. Later, becoming "Grandma" brought her a whole new kind of joy. She absolutely adored Chloe, Riley, Maizy, Alex, Evan, Maddox, Sam, and Maryn. Watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and simply spending time with them filled her heart in a way nothing else could.

She had a soft spot for animals and loved every pet that became part of her family. Chucky, the bird she inherited from her mother, greeted her with cheerful whistles and songs, while Julius, Ernie, Beau, and Teddy each held a special place in her heart.

Anyone who knew Marie knew she had a serious sweet tooth. Butter pecan ice cream, chocolate, and peanut butter were among her favorite treats, and Halloween was one of her favorite times of year. She loved taking the kids trick-or-treating, or, as she liked to call it, "begging". She later delighted in handing out candy to neighborhood children from her own front porch.

Marie also enjoyed going for walks and staying active. Even later in life, she kept everyone smiling by zipping around StoryPoint with her walker so quickly that the staff often joked they couldn't keep up with her.

More than anything, Marie will be remembered for the way she loved. She wasn't afraid to speak honestly, especially with the people closest to her, because her words always came from a place of love. She taught her family the importance of loyalty, kindness, resilience, and showing up for one another. Those lessons will continue to guide them for years to come.

Marie leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and will carry her memory forward every day. Though her chair may now sit empty, her love remains woven into the lives of her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. She will be remembered in the stories they tell, the traditions they continue, and the quiet moments when they smile, hearing her voice in their hearts once again.

Marie Tavernit of Kalamazoo, age 77, died on July 11, 2026. Marie was born May 18, 1949 in Detroit. She was preceded in death by her mom, Margaret Mercer; her sister, Beverly Henderson; her beloved pets: Julius, Ernie, Kitty, Chucky, Beau, and Teddy; and grandpets: Molly, Lucy, and Annie. Surviving are her children: Daniel (Courtney) Tavernit, Paul (Courtney) Tavernit, and Rachelle (DeMarco) Moore; grandchildren: Chloe, Riley, Maizy, Alex, Evan, Maddox, Sam, and Maryn; and niece and nephew: Adrienne and Geoffrey.

Please join us at a Life Story Service on Sunday, July 19, at 2 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Visitation will begin one-hour prior and a reception will follow in the Life Story center where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. Celebrate Marie’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to SPCA of Southwest Michigan or Dementia Society of America.