Marlene M Brown

Marlene was the only daughter of Marvin and Lillian Johnson. In 1967, Marlene married Bruce Brown. Together they built a family that remained at the center of her life. She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca, her son-in-law, Jerry Anderson, and her granddaughter, Sabina, who all brought her immense joy.

Marlene was born on February 24, 1945, on the South Side of Chicago. She attended Morgan Park High School where she met Bruce, the love of her life for over 60 years.

After high school, Marlene pursued higher education with dedication and purpose, earning Master’s degrees in English Literature and Special Education—an academic foundation that reflected both her love of learning and her deep care for others. She devoted her professional life to serving as a special education teacher, bringing patience, steady compassion, and a truly kind-hearted spirit to the work of helping children learn and thrive. Marlene had a special place in her heart for all of the kids she taught and in return was beloved as a teacher.

Marlene’s interests were rich and wide-ranging. She loved hiking, reading, gardening, traveling, music, and theater. She especially treasured being with friends and family—whether for conversation, laughter, or simply spending time together. She was always ready for fun and loved playing with kids, especially with her granddaughter, Sabina. Marlene was a natural cook and showed her love for others through the creation of her many culinary delights. She was a welcoming hostess to many friends and family over the years, both at her home and at the cottage in Michigan.

Throughout her life, Marlene enjoyed volunteering her time to help others. While living in Colorado, she volunteered as a mentor at Partners and at the Crossroads Ministry food bank, and also made many trips to La Puente, a multipurpose poverty center in Alamosa. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a lifelong member of the Methodist church.

To her daughter Rebecca, Marlene was not just an amazing mom—she was also an inspiration for how to live life. Known to everyone as loving, cheerful, and always ready to laugh, Marlene leaves a legacy of warmth and generosity of heart.

A celebration of Marlene’s life will be held this summer in Chicago. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.