Marlene Accardi

Marlene M. Accardi, age 69, of Benton Harbor, peacefully passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2016. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 4:00 P.M., Thursday, October 13, 2016 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Scott Saylor officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M, Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Marlene was born August 7, 1947 in Benton Harbor, MI to Joe & Evelyn (Arent) Akins. She worked on the assembly line at Modern and Hughes Plastics until retiring 25 years ago. On May 31, 1991 she wed Wayne Accardi in Kalamazoo, MI. Marlene was a member of Watervliet Community General Baptist Church. She enjoyed spending time in her yard and tending to her flowers. Marlene loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Marlene is survived by her loving husband of 25 years Wayne; sons Donnie Tanner of Riverside and Josh Tanner of Hartford; grandchildren Heather, Nathaniel, James, Jacob, Noah, Dylan and Chloe; siblings Darlene Marks of Benton Harbor, Goldie Snow of Eau Claire, Betty Whitwright of St. Joseph and Linda (Bill) Callahan of Benton Harbor; numerous nieces and nephews including Christie, Scott and Catherine. She was preceded in death by her parents, step father Don Butler, son James "Ric" Tanner and brother Lonnie Goodwin.