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Marvel A. LaHaie (100) of 1456 Hobbs Drive, Alpena, died peacefully on Aug. 10, 2026. Marvel was born on Dec. 23, 1925, in Cheboygan, the daughter of Wilfred Earl and Ruth Flora (Kitchen) Thorne. Marvel attended Cheboygan Public Schools, graduating from Cheboygan High School in 1943. She received a teaching certificate from Cheboygan County Normal School in 1946 and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Michigan University in 1970, the first in her family to earn a college degree.
A dedicated educator, Marvel began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Aloha Township teaching fifteen students in grades first through eighth. After starting a family and moving to Alpena in 1957, she resumed teaching with Alpena Public Schools in 1961. Over the next 26 years, she taught elementary students at Wilson, Gordon, Ella White, and Sunset Schools before retiring in 1987.
She loved teaching, and took great pride in shaping the lives of countless young minds. Throughout the years, she often shared fond memories of the classroom, recounting memorable incidents and the many students whose lives she touched. Outside of the classroom, Marvel enjoyed tending to her yard, spending time at the cottage on Grand Lake, and, most importantly, being with family. She especially cherished her annual rock hunting trips with her late husband to Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula.
Marvel is survived by her loving sons and daughters-in-law, Gregory and Linda LaHaie of Alpena, Larry and Jennifer LaHaie of Grand Ledge, MI, and daughter-in-law, Cyndi LaHaie, also of Grand Ledge, MI. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her eight grandchildren: Geoff (Kendra) LaHaie, Jessica (Jeff) Kendziorski, Lawrence LaHaie, Christopher (Gretchen) LaHaie, Julie (Ian) Malloch, Martin LaHaie, Todd (Rachel) LaHaie, and Becky (Andrew) Francouer. She was also extremely proud of her 16 great-grandchildren. Marvel was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Lawrence D. LaHaie, and son, Martin E. LaHaie.
A family graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026 in Cheboygan at Pine Hill Cemetery near where Marvel grew up.
Marvel may have left this world, but she will forever remain in our hearts, cherished for her spirit, wisdom, and the love she shared. Memorial contributions may be given to The Care Team Hospice, 5401 Gateway Center, Suite D, Flint, Michigan 48507. Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Share your memories and condolences online at holihanatkin.com.