Marlene Elizabeth Mclemore

Marlene Elisabeth McLemore passed away at home at 5:23 PM on Sunday, October 30, 2016. She is survived by her husband Robert (Bob); two sons Christopher, Spencer and their wives Julie, Teresa; five grandchildren, Carla, Tyler, Jamisen, Devyn, Tristen McLemore; Brothers Mitchell Hamilton, Jeffrey Hamilton; and Sister, Janice Hogan.

Marlene was born in Denver, Colorado on September 10, 1951. Her dad was a graduate of Colorado School of Mines in Petroleum Engineer. His job required that his family move around the country while she was growing up. She never attended the same school two years in a row until high school. Being the responsible oldest sibling, she helped raise her two brothers and youngest sister. They finally ended up in Golden Colorado. This is where Marlene attended her senior year in high school at Golden High School (1968-1969). She met and married Robert Lee McLemore (also a graduate of Colorado School of Mines in Metallurgical Engineering) in Golden (1970 -1971). They married on July 25, 1971 at the Community Church in Evergreen Colorado. They resided and built a house in Golden Colorado and had their two sons. Their first son, Christopher, was born in 1974. Their second son, Spencer, was born in 1976. Both boys and Marlene were born in St. Anthony's Hospital, Denver, Colorado. To be closer to family, they moved to the San Fernando Valley, Chatsworth in 1977. During the next 45 years they built a loving home in California.

Marlene loved children and decided to be a stay at home mom. She became an active member in the PTA, Boy Scouts, Baseball, and the Booster Club at the Chatsworth High School. Her love of helping others transcended beyond her family. She was an active member in her community. For her hard work and dedication, she was recognized as Citizen of the Year by the Mayor and City Council of Los Angeles.

When Marlen's children were going through school, she decided to advance her career in education. Marlene studied at Valley College at night while working various odd jobs and transferred to CSUN for their teaching program. She graduated with Cum Alta from CSUN with a teaching degree and a Masters of Art in Childhood Development.

Marlene got a teaching job in 1991 with Los Angeles Unified School District. Her first teaching position was at Dixie Canyon Elementary School. Coincidentally, this is the same school her husband attended, 50 years earlier. Unfortunately, in 1996, she was injured at her job. From the injuries, she was forced to end her teaching career.

Despite her painful injuries, Marlene found ways to keep herself busy and active. She enjoyed arts and crafts, spending time with her grandchildren, working countless hours in her garden, and taking care of her rescued pets.

Marlene enjoyed vacationing and spending time with her family. Her favorite family trips were to Big Bear and cruising with her husband. The last trip Marlene and her husband took was a two week cruise to Hawaii, just 15 days prior to her passing.

May she be free of pain now and her soul rest in peace since she did so much for others while here on earth.