Marlene Sue Bernabei

Marlene was born in Canton on July 22, 1933 to the late Todd Lashley and Violet Hardesty. She and her younger sister and brother spent their growing-up-years at Fairmount Children’s Home in Alliance. Marlene attended high school until she was 16 and then went on to work at Canton Corrugated Box where she worked for 17 years. She married Anthony Bernabei on July 7, 1957 and enjoyed 51 years of marriage together until he passed in 2008. Marlene loved to cook and be a hostess for all of her family. She also loved tending to her many beautiful flower gardens. She was an avid bowler and received many trophies. She was the kindest and sweetest person.

Along with her parents and loving husband, Marlene is preceded in death by her only son, Joseph Bernabei, a sister, Donna (Lashley) Kellog, a brother, James Lashley, a brother-in-law, Joseph Bernabei, a nephew, James Bernabei, and several aunts.

Marlene is survived by her daughter-in-law, Michelle Bernabei, three grandchildren whom she greatly adored: Devon (Jenna) Bernabei, Zachary Bernabei, and Hailee Bernabei; aunt, Ruthie (Clark) Miller, two nephews, Doug Moock and John Berbanei, five nieces: Holly Nieporte, Missy (Michael) Lugo, Linda (Tommy) Kinsey, Georgianne Morgan, and Sabrina (Christina) Bernabei; great-nieces and nephews: Marissa Lugo, Katrina Morgan, Joseph Bernabei, Sophia Bernabei, and Levi (Kaleena) Vermelho Landry and their children, Avalyn and Aria, and sister-in-law, Joanne (Bernabei) Sares. She also is survived by her dearly beloved granddogs: Beaker, Pluto, and Bruce. She especially loved their many visits to the nursing home.

Marlene’s family would like to extend a very special “Thank You” to Meadow Wind Health Care Center of Massillon for their tender, loving care over the past three and a half years as well as to Aultman Hospice for their added compassion and care.

In keeping with Marlene’s wishes, no public services will be held. Marlene will be laid to rest next to her husband, Tony, and son, Joey, at Sunset Hills Burial Park and a private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Karlo-Libby Funeral Home is assisting the family.