Marlene J. Rego

Marlene Joyce Granberg Rego 83, passed away peacefully in her home in West Brighton, Staten Island, on March 2, 2025. Born on May 15, 1941, in Staten Island to Hazel and Adolph Granberg, Marlene lived a life marked by kindness, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family.

A dedicated mother, she raised her three children—Kimberly Polumbo and her husband, Joseph “Moon” Polumbo; Kevin Rego and his wife, Christine Rego; and Allyson Wiackley and her husband, Christopher Wiackley—with boundless love and strength. She was a cherished grandmother to Hans Haehnel, Kellie Wiackley, Thomas Rego, Sydnee Rego, Leland Wiackley, and Myranda Rego, and a beloved great-grandmother to Sara Haehnel, Krista Haehnel, and Emma Haehnel. Marlene was the devoted sister of Gerald (Jerry) Granberg and was preceded in death by her siblings Adolph (Georgie) Granberg, Frederick Granberg, and Gary Granberg.

Marlene dedicated many years to the New York City Department of Education, where she worked as a chef in a school, bringing warmth and nourishment to countless students. Outside of work, she found joy in her garden, tending to each plant with care. She was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast, a talented cook and baker, and had an undeniable love for Turkish television shows and the actors who starred in them.

A woman of faith, Marlene was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Her kindness, honesty, and selflessness were evident in everything she did—whether caring for her children and grandchildren as a devoted single mother or offering wise words and a warm meal to those in need.

Marlene’s birth flowers, the hawthorn and lily of the valley, beautifully reflect the essence of who she was. The hawthorn symbolizes strength and protection, mirroring the way she fiercely cared for her family, while the lily of the valley represents humility and sweetness—qualities she embodied every day.

Marlene’s legacy of love, resilience, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. A memorial service will be held for close friends and family.

She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.