Marjorie Louise Barcroft

Marjorie Louise Barcroft (April 21, 1925 – November 8, 2023)

Born and raised in Hastings, Marjorie Louise Barcroft, 98, passed away on November 8, 2023, at Clark Retirement in Grand Rapids.  She was born on April 21, 1925, to Gay Norton and Florence Mildred (Leach) Norton.

Marge married Carl Barcroft, on March 1, 1947, and the two shared a special bond that lasted until Carl's passing on May 29, 2014. Marge's childhood included both polio and a broken neck.  She graduated as salutatorian from Hastings High School in 1943.  Her young adult life included work at the Strand Movie Theater, a photo lab, a doctor's office, and Consumers Power Company.  She later devoted herself to community service, supporting her husband's farming endeavors, and working as a Michigan Milk Producers dairy communicator.

Throughout her adult life, Marge was a dedicated member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association, Freeport Historical Society, the Freeport Over 50 Club, and the First Presbyterian Church.  She loved to sing.  She was State Soloist for the Rebekah Assembly and sang in the church choir for many years. She also served as an extra mother to an entire neighborhood of children, where she was known simply as "Mamma Marge."

Marge was an active leader in the Rebekah Lodge, Sunday school, MSU Extension, Barry County Fair, Farm Bureau, and 4-H, where she was general leader and also specialized in photography, wildflowers, and entomology. Her other hobbies included china painting, piano, flower arranging, genealogy, and cooking.  She was known for her Swiss steak.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Carl, and her foster sister, Marjorie Lucille Hull.

She is survived by her loving family, including her daughter, Debby (John) Stassek of Bloomingdale and her son, Tony (Kay) Barcroft of Hastings. She also leaves behind grandchildren: Rob (Ariane) Stassek of Marquette, Christina (Casey) McDonald of Grand Rapids, Ashley (Matt) Singh of Grand Rapids, Larissa (Jeffrey Honse) Stassek of Monroe, Washington, and four great grandchildren.

Visitation and funeral will be on Tuesday, November 14, at the First Presbyterian Church, 405 North M-37, Hastings, Michigan.  Visitation is at 10:00 am and the service will be held at 11:00 am.  Pastor Nick Marlatt will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Freeport Historical Society or First Presbyterian Church of Hastings.

Marjorie Barcroft will be remembered as a loyal wife, a supportive mother, and a dedicated community member.  Her kindness, determination, creativity, and unwavering love will be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .