Marlene Cameron-Palanque

Marlene Cameron Palanque, affectionately known as Big Mama, passed away on November 17, 2024, in Trustbridge Gerstenberg Hospice, West Palm Beach, Florida, surrounded by love and care, with her devoted granddaughter, Raven Cameron-Neal, by her side. She was 92 years old.

Marlene, an only child, was born as Wilbur Marlene Scott on December 5, 1931, in Statesville, North Carolina, to Grace Scott and Amos Strickland, who preceded her in death.

Marlene's life was a testament to resilience and grace. She traveled a long journey through some of history's most adverse times, including the aftermath of slavery, the Great Depression, and the ongoing fight for women's rights. Through it all, she faced challenges with unwavering strength, dignity, and perseverance, always finding a way to move forward and overcome.

In 1949, Marlene married Barnes Ware Cameron, with whom she had three children: Reginald Cameron, Sr. (who preceded her in death in September of 2023), Wayne Cameron, and Vicky Raspacz.

She was later married to her soulmate, Sergio Palanque, who also preceded her in death. Marlene was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who embodied class, grace, and altruism.

Marlene was a woman of many talents, strengths, and abilities. Throughout her long life, she blessed others with her strong sense of loyalty and generosity. But what stood out to anyone who met Marlene was her sense of style. She loved fashion and was known for accessorizing her outfits to perfection! She possessed a unique sense of glamour that highlighted her natural beauty.

In 1979, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Lehman College in New York City. Marlene worked as a New York Court System social worker for many years before retiring from a community center. After retiring, she spent over a decade caring for her sick husband, Sergio Palanque, exemplifying her selflessness, love, and devotion.

Marlene's dedication to her work and compassion for others left a lasting legacy. She enjoyed traveling with her beloved husband Sergio, spending time on the water with friends, and crocheting beautiful pieces that reflected her creativity and love for her family.

Marlene courageously battled throat cancer and, after a year of challenges, surrendered peacefully with the love and care of her family surrounding her.

She is survived by her son, Wayne Cameron; her daughter, Vicky Raspacz; her devoted daughter-in-law, Rosemary Cameron; her grandchildren: Reginald Cameron Jr., Raven Cameron-Neal, Eric Raspacz, Cassidy Raspacz, Gabrielle Cameron, and Alon Cameron; her great-grandchildren: Nyla Rose Cameron, Cameron Neal, and Jazmine Rose Neal; and numerous cousins.

Based on Marlene's wishes, she was cremated, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

I, Raven Cameron-Neal, want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who supported and cared for my grandmother, Marlene, during her final days. To the incredible staff of Trustbridge Gerstenberg Hospice; your compassion and dedication provided immense comfort to both her and our family during this difficult time.

A special and heartfelt thanks to Marlene's private caregiver, Arlene Gayle—you truly are an angel on Earth. Your patience, kindness, and unwavering care ensured that Big Mama lived her final chapter with dignity and love. We are forever grateful for the bond you shared with her and the extraordinary way you touched her life and ours.

Big Mama's legacy of love and resilience lives on in all of us. Thank you for being part of her journey and celebrating her beautiful life with us.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:

Trustbridge Hospice Foundation, at https://trustbridge.com/give/.

American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialbutton&lang=en.