BRANCHEAU, Fayrene (Szabo) – of Flushing, MI, age 79, transitioned into eternal life with Christ Thursday, May 22, 2025 at home with family praying by her side until her last breath. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1 PM Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 404 North Dayton Street, Davison, MI 48423; Rev. Fr. Carl Simon celebrant. Interment immediately following the Mass in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive visitors 1-7 PM Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Allen Funeral Home, 9136 Davison Road, Davison, MI 48423 and 12-1 PM Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. A Rosary will be prayed 6:30 PM Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Allen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any hospice organization, the American Cancer Society or the Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute Oncology Center, in Fayrene’s memory.
Fayrene was born in Flint, MI on January 11, 1946, daughter of the late Alex and Marie (Deline) Szabo. A proud honor graduate of Davison High School, Class of 1964, Fay was raised on a farm and lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication to others. Fay’s beautiful journey with Ed began on December 16, 1962, when they met ice skating at the Swartz Creek Golf Club—a moment that would blossom into a lifelong sacramental union. They were united in marriage on October 9, 1965, at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Flint, MI, and built a life filled with shared adventure and deep devotion. A woman of many talents and boundless compassion, Fay was known for socializing, her vibrant spirit and generous heart. She was a frugal and gifted homemaker—an excellent cook and baker who lovingly canned fruits and vegetables. Fay was a perfectionist, shone through in her knitting, crocheting, sewing on her Viking sewing machine, candle making, and cake decorating. She passed on her love for teamwork and encouragement as an assistant coach for her daughter’s softball teams. Fay had a zest for life’s simple joys. She delighted in family camping trips, snowmobiling, boating onboard the “Energizer” at Cheboygan County Marina with Ed (as his trusted first mate) while exploring the Straits of Mackinac, the North Channel, including a navigational trip from Saginaw Bay to the Straits area and back again. She loved the thrill of Bingo and especially casino slot machines! She also had a keen eye for treasure while metal detecting. Sadly, Fay’s daily living and activities took an abrupt change following injuries in 1990, greatly reducing day to day functionality. She was one tough soul! A woman of faith, Fay was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Burton, MI, St. Robert Catholic Church in Flushing, MI, and also occasionally attended St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Davison, MI. She was an active member of the “BBYC” and cherished her time spent among friends and family. Fay’s warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.
Fayrene is survived by her husband, Edward Brancheau; daughter, Anna Marie (Edward) McNew; granddaughters, Miranda McNew and Katie McNew; sister, Marla (Jack) Shoecraft; sister-in-law, Norma Szabo; sister-in-law, Theresa Satkowiak; brothers-in-law, John (Terry) Brancheau, Alfred (Delores) Brancheau, Philip Satkowiak and Lonne Petroskey; special nephew, Thomas Hertz; special friends, Wilma Hazen and Audrey Ames in addition to many other loving family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alex and Marie Szabo; grandparents, Frank and Rosa (Csoka) Szabo; brother, Donald Szabo; Marla’s identical twin sister, Marva (Earle) Wade; beloved parents-in-law, Leo N. and Anna Marie (Barczynski) Brancheau; siblings-in-law, Ellen (John) Michalik, Leo (Ruby) Brancheau, Louise (Bert) Zaucha, Levi Brancheau, Cecelia Satkowiak, Isadore Satkowiak, Anna (William) Hertz and Irene Petroskey. Fayrene was also preceded in death by her childhood pets, dog, “Jack” and special cat, “Tiger”.
The family wishes to extend their deepest and most sincere gratitude to the teams at the Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute Oncology Center, Henry Ford Genesys Hospital and COMPASSUS Hospice. Your professional expertise, unwavering support, and compassionate care for Fay meant the world to us during such a difficult time. We are forever grateful.