Marlene Castle Chambers, 93, of San Antonio, Texas, a mother of eight and a faithful parishioner of St. Monica Catholic Church, was called home to her heavenly Father on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Marlene Castle Sandquist on March 10, 1933, in Turton, South Dakota, the daughter of George and Irene Sandquist. She met Richard on a blind date and married him a short time later. They shared 66 years of marriage before he passed away.
As a child she had been diagnosed with rheumatic fever and told she would never have children. She went on to have eight — four boys and four girls.
Marlene was the first in her family to go to college and became a registered nurse. Over the years she held many roles: R.N., daycare provider, and various church positions. She also started a jogging club. Above all, she was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a homemaker.
She was a faithful Catholic who volunteered throughout her life at St. Monica Catholic Church in Converse. Family came first, everyone was welcome, and she was proud to tell anyone who would listen.
Marlene was vibrant, full of life, and ready for anything. She never complained — and if she did, you knew it was serious. She had a strong wit, and her sense of humor was hard to match. She
loved shopping and getting “the” deal, especially when it meant helping someone else: mention a problem, and she had already ordered a solution and had it shipped to you from Amazon.
She loved games, especially Yahtzee, pinochle, and bunco, and looked forward to brother-sister lunches and visits to their timeshare. She also loved sewing, music, musicals, and a good spicy romance.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents, George and Irene Sandquist; and her sisters, Mavis, Corletta, and Betty.
She is survived by her brothers, Allen and Arnold; her eight children, Stephen Chambers, Renee Hernan, Melody Canales (Rene), Wayne Chambers (Michelle), Brian Chambers (Laura), Lisa Brewer (Fred), Eric Chambers, and Kristen Brinkley Massarotti (Chris); 27 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren.
Her children Melody, Brian, and Wayne devoted themselves to making sure she had the best and most loving care in her final years.
Pallbearers will be Johnny Rivera, Justin Brewer, Brad Chambers, Anthony Canales, Matthew Chambers, and William Hernan.
Visitation will be held at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, TX 78148, US, on August 24, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with the Rosary at Colonial Funeral Home on August 24, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
A Mass of Resurrection will take place at St Monica Catholic Church, 501 North St, Converse, TX 78109, US, on August 25, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, followed by a Committal Service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209, US, on August 25, 2026, at 2:00 pm.
