Marlene Michael

1930-2023

Known to her family and friends as Marlene, she was born Maria Magdelena Walbeck on November 30, 1930, the youngest daughter of Josef and Eva (Janssen) Walbeck in Munchengladbach, Germany. Marlene’s young life was greatly impacted by the death of her father in 1938 and the realities of war during World War II. Munchengladbach was an industrial center which Marlene recalled was heavily bombed by the allies. After much destruction of the city, Marlene’s family was forced to evacuate to the east along with many others. As Germany was divided at the close of the war, Marlene’s family found themselves under Russian rule and chose to escape. They joined many others, who carrying what possessions they had, walked by night and hid by day to avoid military patrols until they reached the relative safety of what became West Germany. Despite, or maybe in spite of, the adversity she faced in her youth, Marlene was known for her easy laughter and sense of adventure.

Marlene married Karl-Heinz Michael in 1952 in Munchengladbach, Germany. Seeking greater opportunity than what they found available in postwar Germany, Karl and Marlene immigrated to Vancouver, Canada in 1956. Three years later in 1959 having taken advantage of another opportunity, they were settled in Peabody, MA, USA. It was in Peabody that they would raise their son, become United States citizens, and make their home for the next 45+ years. Marlene and Karl vacationed in Naples, Florida for many years before moving there permanently in 2003. In 2023 Marlene moved to the Residence at Salem Woods in Salem, NH where she passed away suddenly on November 7.

Marlene was predeceased by her husband, Karl-Heinz Michael, and her beloved sister, Kate (Katerina Walbeck) Dietsch. She is survived by her son, Ronald Michael and his wife Ellen, of Candia, NH, a grandson, Brian Michael and his wife Katy, of Candia, NH, a granddaughter, Nicole Michael Frazier and her husband Remi, of San Francisco, CA, and four great grandchildren, Leela Michael, Jolene Michael, Miles Frazier, and Liberty Frazier.

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