Allison Janelle Marek

Allison Janelle Marek, age 37 of Grand Haven, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. She was born on June 25, 1986 in Muskegon, MI to Ronald and Marsha (Luhman) Marek. As a much-adored only child, Allison was very close to her parents and to her Grandma Nell. With their love, Allison grew up to be an outgoing, compassionate, and creative young woman.

Allison attended Mona Shores Public Schools, where she was active in band, choir, and drama, and also served as a reading tutor for elementary students through the National Honor Society before graduation in 2004.  Following high school, she earned a degree in English from Western Michigan University, and she enjoyed her career as a copywriter at Meijer, Inc. and technical writer with National Bulk Equipment.

An artist at heart, Allison enjoyed watercolor painting, photography, reading poetry, and listening to music.  Among her interests were attending concerts, the Irish Music Festival, and Broadway shows like her favorites, Hamilton and Hadestown.  Halloween was her favorite holiday and she often dressed up in her own handmade costumes. 

Allison loved helping people and animals. Being a strong advocate for women's rights and health led her to volunteer with organizations that help ensure all women have access to quality health care. As the fun "aunt" to the children in her life, she was always ready to plan a day of adventures. She extended her compassion to the rescue cats that she provided with a loving home.

In 2014, Allison married her best friend, Rick Salazar, and they built a happy life together with their "children," the beloved cats who they spoiled rotten. She shared with Rick the wanderlust she developed on childhood vacations with her parents, and together they traveled to Greece and the Caribbean, to Mexico for snorkeling, and on an eco-tour of Costa Rica.

They also enjoyed birding, and Allison accumulated a lifetime list of over 250 birds she'd seen in the wild. She shared her adventures through her stunning photography, creating framed prints and calendars for friends and family featuring the beautiful flora and fauna of her travels. Allison brought light, love, and empathy to all who knew her, and her absence will leave an
unfillable hole in the lives of her family and friends.

Allison is survived by her husband, Rick Salazar; parents, Ronald and Marsha Marek; parents-in-law, Tricia and Glenn Engel; Rick’s grandma, Vivian Netzler; special friends, Lisa and Jennifer; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Visitation for Allison will take place on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions in Memory of Allison may be made to the American Heart Association (West Michigan) or Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven.

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