Marlene Alice Breu

Marlene Alice Breu, age 79, of Kalamazoo passed away February 15, 2024. She was born May 1944 in New Market, Virginia to the late Richard and Hazel Renalds.

Marlene attended James Madison University, Purdue University, and the University of Minnesota, obtaining a PhD in clothing and textile design. She taught at Western Michigan University as a tenured professor and was a Fulbright Hays Senior Lecturer in Izmir, Turkey. She spent her life creating, teaching, and appreciating beauty. She loved her native Virginia and spent time in Turkey coauthoring two books, Splendor and Pageantry: Textile Treasures from the Armenian Orthodox Churches of Istanbul and Treasures of Faith: Sacred Relics and Artifacts from the Armenian Orthodox Churches of Istanbul.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert; and sister, Ann.

She is survived by her daughter, Laura Breu; son, Michael Breu; and grandchild, Ava Breu.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.