Marlene A. Shoebridge

Marlene A. Shoebridge, age 89, longtime resident of Northville, passed away peacefully December 31, 2025. She was born on August 30, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan daughter Guy and Marguerite (Schriner) Coykendall. Marlene was united in marriage to Clifford D. Shoebridge on May 18, 1957; they spent 37 years lovingly devoted to one another until his death on September 11, 1994.

Marlene was a proud graduate of Northville High School, Class of 1955, and cherished the lifelong friendships she made there. She continued to gather with her classmates each month for lunch, sharing stories and memories through the years.

Marlene dedicated more than 40 years of service to St. Paul Lutheran School. She began her career as a school bus driver and later worked in the morning and afternoon latchkey programs. A familiar and beloved presence in the lunchroom, she supervised students who affectionately knew her as “Mrs. Shoe.” In her later years, Marlene focused solely on the afternoon latchkey program before retiring in 2023.

Marlene was a devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Northville since 1950. She was active in the ladies’ group and generously volunteered her time, baking pies for the church booth at the Victorian Festival. Marlene also shared her gift of crocheting, donating hundreds of scarves for St. Paul’s blessing bags distributed through the Detroit Street Ministry, and lovingly creating baptismal blankets presented to each child baptized at the church. Marlene also shared her talent for crocheting by making matching dishcloths and potholders, which she bundled and gifted to family and friends.

One of her greatest passions was her lifelong involvement with the Girl Scouts. An active and dedicated leader, she often guided multiple troops at the same time. Marlene began as a leader with her daughter’s troop and continued her service until recent years. She also volunteered with Girl Scout Day Camp for more than 25 years, finding deep fulfillment in inspiring, mentoring, and positively influencing young women. She enjoyed bowling with her girlfriends in local leagues and state tournaments, a hobby she carried with her until the age of 87.

Marlene found great comfort and peace in her home, which was truly her sanctuary. Surrounded by wonderful and supportive neighbors, she was able to maintain her independence until recently. Her home reflected her personality and interests, filled with cherished chicken collectibles and housewares such as dishes, figurines, and pictures. Outside, she lovingly tended beautiful perennial gardens featuring hostas, hydrangeas, and lilacs. Marlene took special pride in the trumpet vine she had nurtured for more than 50 years and delighted in sharing seeds from her money plant. She also enjoyed caring for the wildlife that visited her yard, feeding them year-round, and she was well known for the attention she drew while driving around town in her flame-adorned Taurus. Marlene leaves behind many cherished memories and a legacy of love that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and community.

Marlene is survived by her loving children, Clifford (Lori) Shoebridge and Marjorie (Patrick) Vande Laare; her grandchildren, Jason (Amy) Shoebridge, Margot (Ted) Hester, Christopher Kinnamon, Lauren Vande Laare, and Nathan Vande Laare; multiple great grandchildren; and her sister Sherry Manning. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 201 Elm Street, Northville. Mrs. Shoebridge will be laid to rest next to her husband at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, 7050 Jomar Drive, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 or St. Paul Lutheran Church, 201 Elm Street, Northville, MI 48167.