Marlene Louise Edhlund

Marlene Louise Edhlund (nee Thomas) was born May 31, 1932 to Fred and Martha Thomas in Glendale, California. She was joined 4 years later by her brother Rex. She graduated from Hoover H.S. in 1950. She went one year to Glendale College 1950-1951. She had an interest in dentistry but began working as a phone company switchboard operator. Later she met Air Force mechanic Carl John Edhlund at a PSO dance - they married in 1953. Their firstborn son arrived in Sept. 1954, followed by 2 more sons and then a set of twins. Although that marriage did not last, for 25 years she had a loving and faithful companionship with Benny until he died in 1992. For 45 years, she lived in the Silverlake area of Los Angeles, having many friends and never wanting to leave. She passed on the morning of August 17, 2013, among family, leaving 5 sons and 6 grandchildren.

She provided babysitting services to neighboring families, becoming "grandma" to them. She drove a car until her mid-sixties and then became proficient in using the bus system to get around. She loved and cared for people and animals; was a voracious reader; and could discuss politics and health in the same conversation! She dearly loved music and could play Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata". She also enjoyed movies and eating - v-e-r-y slowly! Her ability to talk was legendary. She had a heart bigger than her pocketbook and enjoyed donating to many charities. Marlene's memory was amazing - she remembered everyone's birthdays! She was cheerful and had a wonderful sense of humor!

An adventurous, courageous and charming lady, we enjoyed Marlene for 81 years and are so much richer for having had her in our lives. You will be so very missed and were certainly loved by many people. Rest in Peace, Marlene.