Marleen Keppell York

Marleen Rae Keppell York passed away on August 13, 2021 at age 82 in her home in Houston with family by her side. After fighting a rare, aggressive cancer for 18 months Marleen’s body surrendered. However, Marleen’s gift of expressing love and grace throughout her life will be remembered by all who knew her.

Marleen was born August 19. 1938 in Gary, IN to parents Marlow and Elizabeth Keppell. She graduated from Lew Wallace High School in Gary and continued her education in the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Gary, graduating in 1959 with the award of “Miss Student Nurse of 1959”. Soon she started working at the Children’s Memorial Hospital, located at that time on the near north side of Chicago, as an RN Pediatric Specialist, which work was her inner calling.

Marleen had a heart of gold. Her love and kindness were immense. Marleen was an amazing wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and aunt. She foremost provided support, love, and good times for her family. She was a quiet leader and way-shower that shined the light toward a good path through life so softly that family did not realize the guidance right away.

Marleen hosted and enjoyed an A.R.E. study group for many years. Marleen organized annual week-long family vacations near the water, many times on the west end of Galveston Island, sometimes in Florida. In more than 30 years of subscriptions to the Houston Symphony Marleen always was thrilled in listening to the “favorites” from the mid-Classical to the very end of the Romantic periods. In later years Marleen suggested and enjoyed cruising on ship or riverboat, with most of the visits to European countries but also with some memorable family cruises to Alaska. Marleen very willingly attended many wine dinners, where the food and drink tasted so much better in a festive atmosphere among friends.

Surviving family that hold her dearly include her husband for 61 years Richard York, daughter Karin York Kins and spouse Kip Kins of Sealy, TX, daughter Elizabeth York Harris and spouse Conan Harris of Onalaska, TX, and sister Karen Latzel and spouse Fred Latzel of Saint Cloud, FL. Marleen is loved by her many grandchildren Samantha Kins, Morgan York Harris, Rian York, Rebecca Kins, Mackenzie Harris, and Jonathan Harris. Also by nephew Duke York and spouse Debora Balardini, nephew Eric Latzel, and niece Kari Latzel. Marleen was preceded in death by her parents, Marlow and Elizabeth Keppell, and by her son Christopher York (1965-2004) who is survived by his son Rian York.

A Memorial Celebration of Life for Marleen was held on September 11, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Unity of Houston, 2929 Unity Drive, Houston, 77057 with required Covid restrictions. The service was live streamed and can still be viewed at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gpEJ84TCa8_T6ruNaM3WIU0hi2FpJoUs/view?usp=drivesd

Following the Memorial Service a reception was held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, 77079. In lieu of flowers, it was suggested that donations could may be made to Unity of Houston.

The light of God surrounds us, the love of God enfolds us,

the power of God protects us,

the presence of God watches over us,

wherever we are God is.

We will love her forever.