Maren J. Gillam

September 16, 1943 - January 8, 2019

Maren J. Gillam, age 75 of Royal Oak, passed away on January 8, 2019. She was born September 16, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Ray and Joyce Duquette. Beloved wife of Richard. Loving mother of Kathy (Chris) Osborne, Karen Bourke, John Davies, John (Jeanne) Gillam and Susan Gillam. Grandmother of Amy Garcia, Ashley Bourke, Faythe Gillam and the late Warren Carter. Great grandmother of 8 and great great grandmother of one. Maren is preceded in death by her sisters Janis Livingston and Kristine Laga. The most remarkable things about Maren Joanne Duquette Gillam included her love of life, her unending capacity to care for others, and her quick wit. Born in 1943, she grew up in Royal Oak with her optometrist father, Ray Duquette, and her mother, Joyce, a home-maker and mother of three daughters – Maren, the oldest, followed by Janis and Kristine. The family enjoyed Sundays on their boat. After graduating from Kimball High School (now Royal Oak High School), Maren started her own family. From the age of 20, she lived in her Royal Oak house and raised four children – Kathy, Karen, John, and Susan. She was also “Mom” to countless others, including her stepson John, kids from her daycare days, her kids’ friends, and the many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and step-grandchildren to come. She married the love of her life, Rick Gillam, in 1977, and they shared the Royal Oak house, providing a home and gathering spot for family and friends. In the mid-eighties they bought a cottage on Secord Lake near Gladwin, which became the place enjoyed by multi-generations three seasons of the year. Maren and Rick enjoyed some wonderful trips – to Ireland and Florida, a week on a houseboat, twice to Maine, and several times to Tennessee, Colorado, and New Mexico. Maren was known throughout her life as a true lover of food – no one could match her enthusiasm for a fabulous dish. When traveling, her companions never had to worry about their dining options because she was always ready for the next meal and let everyone know when it was time to stop everything and eat something great. She amassed a collection of cookbooks, which she loved to read. As a mom, she made delicious dinners and was always ready to add another to her table and make sure they were well-fed. She has been called “a passionate listener” and that was a real gift she bestowed especially to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cared fiercely for each and every one of them and wanted nothing more than to see them frequently and hear all the stories they had to tell. As a result, they were big fans of hers and never tired of spending time with their grandma. Even as she declined in the past couple years, she always attended every birthday party and special occasion of family and friends. Never judgmental, always forgiving, Maren Gillam was truly loved by all who knew her --- none of whom will ever forget her or not feel her absence keenly. She loved and she was loved, which is the best and perhaps only tribute needed. Memorial visitation Sunday, January 13, 2019 from 1-3 pm with memorial service at 3 pm at Hopcroft Funeral Home, 31145 John R Road, Madison Heights (one block north of 13 Mile Road on the west side of John R Road).