Marleen Ann Raboin

Click Tribute Wall link to watch video of Marleen's service. Marleen Ann (Durham) Raboin 67, of Southgate, Michigan, passed away on May 22, 2022. Marleen was born in Detroit on June 14, 1954, to her parents Mary Eileen (Bowen) Durham and James C. Durham. Marleen was raised in Lincoln Park with her family of six children in a brick bungalow on Markese Street. Marleen, known as Mama Bear, often said her proudest accomplishments were her four wonderful children. James Durham the eldest is the father of Jordan, Giancarlo, Devin, and Erik, his three grandchildren are Nolan, Madeline, and Chloe. Joseph Durham (Susie) is the father of Nathan and Mason, Ashley Shultz (Antonio Sr.) is the mother of two children, Antonio Jr., and Makayla. The baby, Patricia Patrick (Rick), has four of Marleen’s grands Zoey, Caden, Ryker, and Koleston. Marleen lived all her life in the downriver area. She created a spirited circle of friends wherever she lived. Most recently her home was at the Deaconess Towers senior apartments, she had more than friends there, she created a family with her neighbors. She was at the center of so many of the activities and events at the community. Even on the day she passed away a sign was in the community room telling of a painting event her Deaconess family had scheduled with paint and brushes donated by Marleen. It is at Deaconess where she met Kathy Galvan, an unlikely relationship blossomed and fulfilled the final years of her life. The Durham’s are known for their sense of humor, but for all of us who knew and loved Marleen, her comical spirit was unrivaled. She had a talent for creating nicknames for many including her most used nicknames, Mary Ellen Walton, for her niece Mary and “See Dave and Save” for her brother David. Her quick wit brought a smile and chuckle from those in her company. No one enjoyed a vacation or outing more than Marleen, she never took anything for granted and loved every minute. She did not let her years of health issues put a damper on her great spirit. Marleen enjoyed a wide variety of interests. She was a talented chef, not just as a profession, as she was a cook at the bingo hall and chef at Clemente’s, she also catered events including dozens of bridal and baby showers, weddings, and cooked for the little league concession stand. However, she was also known for her home cooking, and many requested specialties like stuffed cabbage, chicken and dumplings, a variety of soups, peanut butter balls, and much more. She was a sports fan with loyalty to the Detroit Tigers and loved the bargain of a double header back in the day at Tiger Stadium. Motown and oldies music, bowling, bunko, and bingo were included in her favorite pastimes. Marleen especially loved Olaf and Miss Piggy, she believed you were never too old for fun. Marleen is survived by her partner Kathy, sons Jimmy and Joey, daughters Ashley and Patty, brothers Robert and Bill Durham, and nieces and nephews including Mary Eileen Hayes (Kreacto), Sandy Masterogiacomo (Jim), Bobby Durham, James Durham, Chrissy Harris (Bernard), Stephanie Durham, Tiffany Durham, and Billy Durham (Shannon), ‘niece’ Rebecca Locklear, numerous great-nieces and nephews, and many other family and friends. Marleen is preceded in death by her parents, brothers James C. Durham Jr., who was killed serving in the Vietnam War, and David Durham, and beloved sister Barbara Jarrell and nephew Brian Durham.