I’m so sorry to learn of Marlene’s passing. We worked together for several years at Foote, Cone & Belding, and even after our time there ended, she always made a point to stay in touch. Marlene was truly one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever known. May she rest in peace.

Marlene crocheted this beautiful colorful blanket for my grandson Weston. It will be cherished always and dearly in her memory.

Marlene was my mom's best friend in school and I was lucky to have her in my life.  When I was little, I was enthralled with her stories of the adventures  she and my mom would get would have while growing up.    I was overjoyed when she agreed to join my Mom and Dad at my wedding, and when my mother passed away, shortly thereafter,  Marlene helped keep her memory alive by always remembering my family and especially my son throughout the years. I will always remember  Marlene's joy for life, her love of all things Disney and her overwhelming love and pride for her children and grandchildren. 

Marlene was always such a fun, inspirational and loving presence in my life and I will miss her greatly.

I was fortunate to work with Marlene and enjoy her calm kindness and support.  Since we were on the same 5 year rotation for Disney Service Award Celebrations, it was great to be able to enjoy the fun with her at this event in 2006.   
It was also a pleasure to be part of the group celebrating Marlene at her retirement party - she was always so appreciative. She was also great at reaching out and giving updates on her family of which she was sooo proud!     I am thankful to have known Marlene,l.

For some men, maybe many, the term “Mother-In-Law” is a negative word.  I was lucky beyond words when I was dealt the mother-in-law card.  Marlene was the best Mother-In-Law any guy could ever have.

Her commitment to her children as a single mother was always impressive to me.  That selflessness seemed to continue throughout her life, and it extended to just about everyone she ever met.  I cannot think of anyone I have met in my life that is more selfless.  I was truly fortunate to have known her and to have her as a family member and true friend.  I was also fortunate to have such an incredible grandmother to my children.  She had such a huge influence on my kids and I will always be grateful for that.

I feel so incredibly fortunate to have known her and to have had the opportunity to be close to her and part of her life.

There is a hole in my heart that will never be filled again the way it was before.

Marlene was so kind to me and to others, always concerned about her “dear neighbor” and wanting to give back to other women who had gone through breast cancer, as she had.  Marlene and I met when she came to volunteer at the Women's Wellness Center at Mission Hospital. She helped me with so many tasks related to supporting newly diagnosed breast cancer survivors by putting together our education packets, keeping the education closet stocked and ready for distribution as well as gathering caps and scarves for women going through chemo. Marlene would make jewelry and donate pieces for fund raisers. Marlene would help me set up for our support group meetings, quietly making the room ready and inviting. I will always remember, at the end of the evening, her asking me if I was okay to go to the parking garage alone after our meetings....making sure I felt safe.  Her concern for me and others touched me deeply.

I feel the following expresses some of my thoughts and memories of Marlene…from To Bless the Space Between Us by John O’Donohue:

…The word kindness has a gentle sound that seems to echo the presence of compassionate goodness. When someone is kind to you, you feel understood and seen. There is no judgement or harsh perception directed toward you. Kindness has gracious eyes; it is not small-minded or competitive; it wants nothing back for itself. Kindness strikes a resonance with the depths of your own heart; it also suggests that your vulnerability, though somehow exposed, is not taken advantage of; rather, it has become an occasion for dignity and empathy. Kindness casts a different light, an evening light that has the depth of color and patience to illuminate what is complex and rich in difference…


A blessing is a form of grace; it is invisible. Grace is the permanent climate of divine kindness. There are no limits to it……

Susann Burnett, RN
Breast Nurse Navigator

To Marlene's Family.

I first met Marlene at Mission Hospital's pink sister's monthly mtgs. approximately 15 years ado, when I was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

I can still picture Marlene sitting at the end of our long table, knitting colorful hats, blankets, etc. to donate/give to others in need. Marlene always had a very warm and welcoming attitude to one and all. Marlene was always so positive.

I'm guilty of not staying on a routine schedule with meetings. I believe the last time I saw and conversed with Marlene was during the December holidays.

It's not that I'm undependable, but family needs always come first in my life.  It's been a very busy 2025 so far.

Best wishes. positive thoughts and big hugs to one and all.
Ginger Modiri

My first memory of Marlene was from September of 2016.  I had just been diagnosed  with breast cancer and I went to my first survivors meeting with the Pink Sisters.  Marlene sat at the far end of the tables.  Opposite of Susann leading the meeting, Marlene was the counter balance. You could always count on Susann to be at the lead table and Marlene to be at the opposite end.  Marlene was the guardian of the knitted hats and scarves  (and I think little pillows).  She was a very comforting presence for me.  Marlene embodied kindness and grace and she was so darn cute.   Marlene will be missed by all of the Pink Sisters.   Sending my condolences to her family and friends.

My deepest condolences to Jim & the entire family. Marlene was a very special lady, an earth angel. I first met Marlene at  Crafts for Charity in our CDS community. I was new & she was so welcoming & invited me to sit next to her. Most of the time, we got to sit next to each other in that class & depending on what we were making, we'd help each other out.  She invited me to join her & check out the jewelry class that she also attended. She made beautiful jewelry that would be donated along with our craft for charity projects. I took her up on the jewelry class & joined. Marlene was always warm & welcoming to everyone & anyone that was new to a class she was in. She always had a smile on her face & no matter what you were making, she would say "Oh, that's wonderful!." She never complained & cherished her family, her friends & life. She's deeply missed by all, but I know because she is now an angle up above, she's around, watching us, helping us & in our hearts, reminding us to enjoy each day.  
Denise Kessler

OBITUARY

Marlene Edna Kazen

23 October, 1939 – 12 June, 2025

Fairhaven Memorial Services

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