Marianne Georgia Steffens passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026 at the Hospice of Lenawee.
Born in Clinton, TN on October 27, 1944 to Georgia (née Filzen) and Floyd Malsch, Marianne moved around much of the country before finally putting down roots with Charlie Steffens in Clinton, MI. Together since 1994, they married on his family farm and she became an active member of the community.
Marianne attended the Clinton United Church of Christ and sang in their choir. She also sang with Lenawee Community Chorus, Tecumseh Pops, Adrian Symphony Orchestra, Adrian College, AME Ann Arbor, One Voice, and Sienna Heights Ad Hoc Choir. She performed with the Tecumseh Players, Opera Lenawee, Manchester Community Players, and the Croswell Opera House. Marianne also sang at Carnegie Hall in NYC and at the Kennedy Center multiple times.
She lived in Italy for a year, and visited Greece, Russia, Sweden, Germany, and London with Charlie. With their friends Jay and Steve, they traveled to New Zealand and Fiji. She and Charlie also enjoyed many themed movie meetings with their Happy Trails Club.
A gourmet cook who excelled at desserts, she cooked with Shirley and the church ladies often. Her pies (especially the rhubarb!) fetched three figures at silent auctions.
Also famous for her knitting, her beautiful sweaters, scarves, and hats were in high demand.
Not a cat lady, but a lover of cats, many litters have had a happy life in the barn. Thanks to Jim and John for taking care of their feeding.
Marianne worked as an oral surgery assistant at the VA in Ann Arbor until retirement.
Marianne is survived by her husband, Charlie; children, Randi (Ward) Waite and Peter Drew; Mike (Joann) Steffens; Hans (Chantele) Steffens; Kelly Chouinard; brother, Robert Malsch; and many loving nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and friends.
MEMORIAL GIFTS can be made to Clinton United Church of Christ or the Hospice of Lenawee.
Visitation for Marianne will be held on Friday, March 27 from 3pm-8pm at the Clinton Chapel of Handler Funeral Home at 302 Jackson Street in Clinton, MI.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 11am at the Clinton United Church of Christ at 300 Tecumseh Rd. in Clinton, MI with visitation from 10am until the service begins at 11am.