Marlene Joyce Bamfield

Marlene Joyce (Lucas) Bamfield, age 92, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, July 26, 2025 in West Branch, Michigan. Marlene was born February 1, 1933 in Standish, Michigan to the late Sherman and Martha (McClarty) Lucas. She lived her entire life in West Branch. She graduated from West Branch High School in 1950, where she was a cheerleader and named both homecoming and prom queen.

After graduation Marlene worked as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell Telephone in West Branch. Marlene then met William Bamfield of Curtisville, Michigan, who at the time was working in her father’s automobile dealership “Sherm’s Sales and Service” in West Branch. Marlene and Bill were married June 7, 1952 in West Branch; they enjoyed 50 years of married life before Bill’s passing December 6, 2002. Bill raised beef cattle on his own farm as a side job. Bill gave up his beef cattle and farm after being married for a few years to Marlene. She was a “city girl” and somehow Marlene and cow manure did not mix well! Marlene later worked side-by-side with her husband in the lawn and garden implement business she and Bill owned in West Branch. They had a broad customer base from a large radius due to their ability to provide high quality and friendly customer service. She later retired from State Savings Bank of West Branch as a long-time customer service/loan officer.

Marlene was a caring and loving woman of faith. Marlene was a life-long active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in West Branch. She taught Sunday School and was treasurer for the church for many years. Marlene was a member of Job’s Daughters and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother who demonstrated the values of hard work and perseverance. Marlene was strong, determined, selfless, humble and kind. She had a great sense of humor and positive attitude about life in general. She shared many words of wisdom. She was a very private person, especially in her later years. As peace surrounds Marlene in the glory of heaven, here on earth she will be deeply missed and dearly loved. She leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories.

Marlene loved her family and friends dearly. She is survived by her loving daughter Dr. Martha Bamfield and son-in-law Luke Stefanovsky of West Branch. Marlene is also survived by her only grandson (the apple in her eye) the Rev. Derek Stefanovsky and his wife Dr. Katherine Vaillancourt, and great-grandson Theodore “Theo” Stefanovsky of Stamford, Connecticut. In addition, she leaves behind sister Carolee (Lucas) Poling, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many friends. Marlene was preceded in death by husband Bill, her parents, and siblings Sally (Lucas) Devries, Donald Lucas, and David Lucas.

Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in West Branch on Saturday, August 23 at 10:30 a.m. Family will receive visitors at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. A luncheon will be served immediately after the service.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to The Brook of West Branch for their support in caring for Marlene since January 2024. Marlene truly adored all of the loving caregivers who helped her with the activities of daily living. The family also wishes to thank Compassus of West Branch Hospice Care, especially her nurse Alexis and the Rev. Victor Schreffler, for providing loving care to Marlene in the last few weeks of her life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Ogemaw County Christian Fellowship (OCCF) Food Pantry, P.O. Box 531, West Branch, 48661.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com

May Marlene now rest in peace and rise in glory!