Marlene Charlotte Kelsey

With full hearts and cherished memories, we announce that Marlene Charlotte Kelsey went home to be with the Lord on December 3, 2025, just days before her 93rd birthday. Marlene lived a long, beautiful life marked by unwavering love, quiet strength, and a generosity of spirit that touched everyone she encountered.

Born in Sherwood, North Dakota, to Arnold and Gunhild Larson, Marlene spent her childhood in the Pacific Northwest in Washington and Oregon. She graduated from Kennewick High School in the Tri-Cities area of Washington State, where she began forming the deep roots of community and connection that would become a hallmark of her life.

It was in Moses Lake, Washington, that she met the love of her life, Gene Kelsey, who preceded her in passing. Their partnership was one of devotion, laughter, and companionship—an example to all who knew them.

In 1971, Gene and Marlene relocated to Fremont, California, where she poured her heart into raising her family and building a legacy of care. In 1980, she opened her childcare business, a calling that became one of her greatest joys. Over the decades, she cared for and guided hundreds of children—each one receiving the same tenderness, patience, and warmth she gave her own family. To many, she was lovingly known as “Grandma Marlene,” a title she wore with pride and boundless affection.

Marlene was blessed with a large and loving family. She and Gene raised 3 beautiful children, Linda, Steven, and Marla. As the matriarch of her family her love was the bond for not only her 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, in addition to all she welcomed as her chosen family. Her legacy is reflected in the lives she touched—those she nurtured, comforted, encouraged, and loved without condition.

Grandma Marlene was unforgettable. She loved her lipstick and had an impeccable sense of style—always looking “uptown” and accessorized to the tee. She carried herself with grace, warmth, and flair, whether she was making a meal, spending time with friends and family, or cheering on the kids from the sidelines. She brought joy wherever she went.

She had a rare gift: the ability to make every person feel seen and cherished. Marlene exemplified true love and compassion in all that she did. Her impact will continue to ripple through countless lives for years to come.

Marlene’s family finds peace knowing she is embraced by the tender love of the Lord and reunited with Gene. Though she will be deeply missed, the memory of her love, joy, her impeccable style, will live on in all who were blessed to know her.