Mrs Marien Alice Richard's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Marien Alice Richard
July 8, 1934 – July 5, 2025
With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Marien Alice Richard—fun-loving, witty, fiercely devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Marien passed away peacefully, at her son Greg’s house, surrounded by family and love, just shy of her 91st birthday.
Born with a spark that never dimmed, Marien lived a life full of spunk, laughter, and unwavering love. She married the love of her life, Michel Charles Richard, on September 11, 1955, and together they built a legacy grounded in family, connection, and hand-in-hand walks down the street—even into their 80s.
After raising their family, Mike and Marien moved to the enchanting island of Folly Beach right outside of Charleston, South Carolina. They lived large there, as we now say, LTBL - Living Their Best Life. Everyone visiting them in Folly were treated to the utmost hospitality.
Marien was tiny in stature but mighty in spirit. A “saucy, spicy beauty,” she had a sharp wit and an even sharper sense of love and loyalty. Her family was her world, and being “Grandma” was her greatest joy. Whether she was cheering someone on, offering a perfectly timed one-liner, or climbing out of a recliner like a gymnast in her 90s, she never ceased to amaze us.
She is preceded in death by her husband Michel, (Mike), her beloved son Roald, her precious granddaughters Rebeka Troutman and Abigail Richard, her fun-loving daughter-in-law Jan Balch Richard, and her dear mother Mary Haas Zorn. We know she’s now reunited with them—dancing, laughing, and watching over us with love.
Marien’s beloved children:
Henri Richard, (Karen), Nicole Richard (Mike), Greg Richard, (Alicia) and Roald Richard (Diane).
Grandchildren:
Nick Kleminsky (Julie), Alex Kleminsky (Tabea) David Richard (Barbie), Jonathan Richard (Sarah), Elizabeth Richard Starkey (Jeremy), Kelsey Kokes (Dylan), Christina Richard-Robertson (Charlie), Mark Richard (Leighton), Anna Richard (Preston), Rebeka Troutman, Krissie Daughtry (Jeff), and John David Clark (Haley).
Great-Grandchildren:
Tobi Kleminsky, Jude Starkey, Olivia Starkey, Rose Robertson, Dylan Richard, Daniel Richard, Luke Richard, Jake Richard, Hannah Richard, Andy Richard, Tristian and Garrett Johnson, Jackson and Kassidy Doughtry, and Karlyn and BryLee Clark.
Cherished sister: Sharon Schilke and family.
Even as dementia tried to dim her sparkle, Marien never let go of love. In her final days, she had moments of stunning clarity—reminding us just how deep her heart ran. Her words, “I love you,” will echo in our memories forever. She taught us how to love fully, laugh often, and never take ourselves too seriously. And for that, we are forever grateful.
What’s your fondest memory of Marien?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marien?
Share a story where Marien's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marien you’ll never forget.
How did Marien make you smile?