Marlene Theresa (O'Brien) Mellenthin

Marlene Theresa Mellenthin was born in Chicago on September 5, 1935, the only child of James and Mae O’Brien (Smetana). She married William J. Mellenthin in 1956 (deceased 2000) and had four children: Susan, Ruth, Nancy and James (deceased 1985); and one grandchild, Michael. She graduated from Chicago Teachers College and was a public grade schoolteacher for approximately 15 years.

Marlene traveled extensively with her husband, and they had regular date nights on Saturday evenings to explore different cuisines. She instilled a love of reading in her children by reading to them at bedtime, loved nature, birds and other animals, as well as music and art. Marlene enjoyed socializing with and learning about different people, and taught her children to be tolerant of those different from themselves. When her grandson was young, she often took care of him and attended his school events when his mother was working.

Marlene made Albuquerque her home, and very much enjoyed the area, especially Native American culture and art. She is survived by her daughters Susan Wargo (married to Jeff Wargo), Ruth Mellenthin, and Nancy Bingham (married to Dixie Bingham); and her grandson, Michael Pyle.