Marlene Needham

NEEDHAM, Marlene Helene (nee Goldblatt) on May 27, 2014 of Ridge, Long Island. Beloved sister of Robert J. Goldblatt and his wife Sue. Loving daughter of the late Marcus and Phyllis Goldblatt. Survived by her dear friends, Doreen and Dennis Farrell, Claudia Domb and Louise Barrett.

Marlene's friends knew her as a loyal, caring, honest, trustworthy , sassy person with a heart as large as her love for her horse Jake. She was a manager, organizer, and got things done. We all knew her as strong-willed and opinionated but always for what was right and just. She advocated for the well-being of every horse at Bethpage, never caring whether it was an old hack or a fancy jumper. She was called “Barn Mom” by kids going through adolescence and trying to find their way in life. She led with a firmness and a kindness that those “barn rats” needed while going through the turmoil of growing up. Most of all, she loved. She loved with a passion so great that she never put herself first. She loved her horse Jake, her dogs Mooch and Meiko. She loved her friends, especially Doreen and Dennis who gave her a home filled with friendship and love. She left her beloved Meiko to her friend Louise who she trusted and loved with all her heart. Marlene touched many lives and will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers donations to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated. Memorial visitation Monday June 2, 2014 from 9 am. to 11 am. at O.B. Davis Funeral Homes, 1001 Rt. 25A, Miller Place, N.Y. Funeral service 11 am with the interment to follow at Washington Memorial Park, Mt. Sinai, N.Y.