Marlene Marian Zdawczyk

Marlene Marian Zdawczyk, age 91, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Valencia, California. She was born in Delano, Minnesota, to Frank and Marian Florek and was blessed with an identical twin sister, Marlis. Growing up, Marlene and Marlis shared a special, unbreakable bond and created countless cherished memories together, along with their beloved older sisters, Carol and Donna. The family lived happily on their working farm in Watertown, Minnesota.

In her early twenties, Marlene moved to California, where she would begin a new chapter of her life. It was there that she met Robert James Zdawczyk, and they were married on July 13, 1957. The following year, Marlene and Robert started their family, which eventually grew to include five children.

In 1962, Marlene and Robert purchased a home in North Hollywood, California. She devoted herself to raising her children in this home, where she lived for an impressive 60 years. She also helped care for her grandchildren while their parents were at work. Family holiday dinners were especially meaningful to her, and she always cherished hosting them. Throughout her life, Marlene's love, dedication, and warmth profoundly impacted her family and all who knew her.

Marlene had an appreciation for professional football and baseball, frequently watching games in both sports. In her neighborhood, she was known for growing the best orange and lemon trees. Marlene's preference for the color lavender was well known among her family and friends.

Marlene was a parishioner at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Hollywood for more than 60 years. She and her family regularly attended Sunday mass, and all five of her children attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School.

Before starting her family, Marlene worked as a Bookkeeper at Lockheed. She was passionate about sewing and created many outfits, including prom dresses for her daughters. Marlene also spent a few years in the sewing department at May Company Department Store. In her later years, Marlene joined JT Oswald Mortuary, where she worked until retiring in 1999.

Marlene spent the last year and a half living at Oakmont of Santa Clarita. During her stay, Marlene and her family expressed deep gratitude for the exceptional care, warmth, and friendships she experienced there. The kindness and attention Marlene received from the staff and fellow residents made a lasting impression. She cherished every person at Oakmont who contributed to making her feel valued and special. Oakmont became much more than just a place to live; it was Marlene’s home. She felt blessed to be part of such a caring community.

Marlene is preceded in death by her husband Robert Zdawczyk, her parents Marian and Frank Florek, 2 sisters Donna Garberich and Carol Hendricks, and nephews Gayle Garberich (Godson) and Donald Hendricks. She is survived by her identical twin sister, Marlis Margaret McNellis (Terrence); children Nadene Marie Bowman (Michael), Janene Ann Zdawczyk, Jamie Joseph Zdawczyk, Jessica Jo Denman (David) and Patrick Robert Zdawczyk; 6 grandchildren, Kristen Marie Rosenberg (George), Erin Kathleen Mahan (Robert), Kelly Alyssa Mahan, Julia Michelle Denman, Anabelle Rose De La Peña (Jennifer), Adam Patrick Zdawczyk; 6 great grandchildren, Daniel Rosenberg, Nicholas Rosenberg, Addelyn Ortega, Aliyah Simons, Aniah Simons, Ashton Simons; 13 nieces and nephews, as well as many great nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her dear friends, Nancy Sullivan, Julia McNorton, Harry Grobe and Joanna Spear.

Mom, Grammy, Great Grammy,

We love you and you will be greatly missed!

Services will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026.

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 6160 Cartwright Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91606

Viewing & Rosary: 10:00 a.m.

Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m.

Burial procession immediately follows the mass.

San Fernando Mission Catholic Cemetery, 11160 Stranwood Ave, Mission Hills, CA 91345