Ellen Modro

Ellen Marlene Modro, known to loved ones as “Marlene”, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2010, with family at her side. Marlene was born on December 30, 1933 in Galesburg, Illinois, and lived in that area until marrying her first love, Lee Alan Hasenfang, in 1951. The couple moved to the Chicago area and began their family life there.

After a tragic accident in 1961 left her a young widow, Marlene went back to school to obtain her nursing license while raising her three daughters and son. Later, during time spent at the family cottage in Michigan, she found love again and relocated to Sawyer. On July 14, 1972, Marlene and Robert “Bob” Modro were married and shared 37 special years together.

Marlene’s considerable talents included her intricate handiwork, a flair for the arts and crafts, an eye for decorating and antiques, and she was beloved too for her cooking, baking, and homemaking skills. She put care and thoughtfulness into all that she did, with the hope of creating a legacy for her family to someday follow. Her most cherished hope was to be remembered in a special recipe made, or to carry on a tradition dear to her in some little way.

One of Marlene’s greatest pleasures was spending time “up north” and sharing her love of camping in the Montague area. The friendships she had there meant a lot to her, as well as enjoying their cliffside view of the White River and its’ many paddlers, season after season. Marlene also loved nature, gardening, animals, and birds in particular, and passed these interests on to those around her in many ways. But as much as she enjoyed these things, she was most proud of her children, grandchildren, and she especially held the utmost respect and regard for her sons-in-law. So whether it was celebrating her grandchildren’s birthdays or admiring their sports, dance, music, and finally travel and college dreams, Marlene was always rooting for all of them, whether they knew it or not. Near or far, her family was forever on her mind and in her heart.

Known for her sometimes opinionated views and saucy words, Marlene’s choice phrases brought a smile and laughter to the host of nurses who cared for her during her illness. These moments made the sadness easier to bear for those witnessing the end of a life, a life now welcomed into the peaceful, grace-filled arms of God.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Harve Wampler, and a brother, Jack Andren, all of Knoxville, Illinois. She leaves behind husband, Bob, of Harbert; daughter, Marge (Robert) Proudfit of Osceola, Indiana; daughter, Linda (Erick) Pifer of St. Joseph; son, David Lindsey of Three Oaks; daughter, Ellen (John) Cassidy of Sawyer; and grandchildren – Mindy, Melisa, Abby, Drew, Sean, and Danny.

At Marlene’s request, there will not be a forthcoming funeral or wake, and cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Berrien County Cancer Service, Lakeland Hospice, or to the River Valley Senior Center.