Marlene Joy Van Winden

Marlene Joy Van Winden, peacefully returned to the Lord’s care at the age of 88, the morning of Friday, February 24, 2023, in Sacramento California, surrounded by her loving family. Marlene was born to Walter and Maryan Lewis, December 30, 1934, in Oakland, California. She attended Saint Elizabeth’s High School, where she met her future husband, Arnold Paul Van Winden. They were married on September 12, 1953. In 1959, they moved to Lafayette, California and raised their five children. Marlene was a homemaker and helped Arnold with his wood shutter business, Van’s Shutter House and later for a short time at ARCO Wood Products. Marlene was very involved in community activities as her family was growing up. She volunteered as a school Room Mother, 4-H Leader, and was a member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West. Later, she entered the job market, working part time in sales at J C Penny’s and Emporium Capwell’s department stores. When her children were grown, she went to work full time for the Contra Costa County Office of Education. There she worked with special needs students as an assistant to the teacher in the classroom. She and Arnold retired in 2000, and moved to Diamond Springs, California. Marlene got right to work there volunteering at St. Patrick’s Upper Room, The Clothes Closet, and as a Eucharist Minister. Marlene also enjoyed gardening, traveling, cruising, and spending time with friends and family. In 2020, Marlene moved to Elk Grove, California to be closer to her family, while continuing to make new friends and lasting memories.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Maryan Lewis; her husband, Arnold Van Winden; her brother, Robert Jensen; and her sister Barbara Turner. She is survived by her children, Loretta, David, John, Allen, Arnold and three grandchildren, Jacob, Britany, and Troy.

A Rosary is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 5:00 pm at Chapel of the Pines, 2855 Cold Springs Road, Placerville, California.

A Funeral Mass will then be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Patrick’s Church, 3109 Sacramento Street, Placerville, California.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelofthepinesfunerals.com for the Van Winden family.