Marlene Virginia Williams

We are saying farewell to a strong, ageless, loving woman of God who has blessed us with her presence For 93 years. She survived a fall into a river at the age of three, a major California earthquake while staying with her parents at the top of a multistory hotel as a preteen, and was hit by a car while walking with her friend as an adult. Marlene endured the loss of her husband and all three of her sons. She became the spiritual support and “Mom” to a young gymnast who became paralyzed after an injury while practicing.

Her Grandchildren would spend time at her home. They grew up enjoying the special times with their Grandma. Marlene was the stay home Mom of the 1950’s. She was a magnificent cook. Home cooked family meals each night. She was the center of a bustling homestead. She was always there for the family. She had a green thumb. Everything she planted radiated colors and beauty. She planted yellow Roses, and the hanging plants attracted hummingbirds all day. My favorite is the Bird of Paradise. She would sit in her Rocking chair each evening and watch TV with me and knit colorful blanket throws. Marlene had a gift of singing. Her father sang at her childhood home. I remember the soprano singing in the kitchen. Marlene was an accomplished seamstress. She taught me to sew and I made my own wedding dress on her sewing machine. The Holidays were filled with homemade cookies and fudge. She gave me the dancing classes, my brothers the accordion and drums.

All through the years, Marlene kept journals documenting her family’s memories throughout the decades. She included everything, the good, the bad and the tragic.

The doctors who mended her hip and heart were charmed by her.

To me, Marlene was indestructible. She loved God and her family, and refuse to leave the care home because, “everything I need is here”. Her only wish was to be with her people.

Marlene is my Valentine, this day, February 14, 2026.

I love you Mom