Marlene J. Facey

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Marlene Facey, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

Raised in Modesto, California, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Marlene was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Marlene was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Marlene was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where she could concentrate, Marlene also had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. Marlene was raised with six siblings. Frank, Doyle, Sonny, Peg, Katie and June. Marlene was constantly involved in activities with her family. Marlene and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

Growing up, Marlene was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. She was content to entertain herself. Marlene was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, she was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything she did as a child, Marlene was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around her. Marlene took part in a number of activities as a child. She enjoyed playing with her yoyo and marbles.

Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Marlene. She was totally committed to Aldon and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Marlene naturally sensed her spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Marlene disliked conflict, she did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

Marlene was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Marlene was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. In addition, Marlene was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Marlene was blessed with five children, three sons, Michael, Robert and Aldon III, and two daughters, Valery and Adele.

Marlene liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Marlene's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Marlene preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. She loved to dance and listen to her favorite country music. Marlene was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her hobbies all by herself and could often be found just reading about her favorite pastimes.

Marlene had a poodle named Lovie, who was her best friend for she had Lovie for nine years. Her family was rounded out by her cats. Marlene was as loyal to her pets as they were to her.

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Marlene was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Marlene was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Marlene Facey was very literal with her words. You always knew where you stood with Marlene. She will be missed.