Marlene Marcello McKenna, 67, of Middletown, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday evening, October 8th, at the Spaulding Nursing and Therapy Center, West Roxbury, MA, after a courageous struggle with Lymphoma. Her family had been gathered with her daily for the past three weeks and, fortunately, many friends were able to visit. She was the former wife of Keven A. McKenna.

Her children are Sean, Chris (Maureen), Damian (Jessica), Mary-Kathryn Aranda (Victor), Joseph McKenna and her daughter-in-law, Jill Zufelt-McKenna. Her precious grandchildren are Taylor (17), Brynn (15), Connor (14), Devon (13), Megan (10), Isabella (6), Liam (4), Vivianna (3), Brianna (1), and Lucia (1). And, survived by her brother Vincent Marcello (Nancy) and her sister-in-law Norma Bizier Marcello. And, is predeceased by brother, Albert Peter Marcello, Jr. Marlene's nephews are Vincent, Jr., the Reverend Albert P. Marcello, III, Mark Marcello and her niece is Robin Bailey. She also is survived by her first and dearest cousin Rep. Charlene Lima (Frank).

A native of Providence, she was a daughter of Katherine Marcello and the late Albert Peter Marcello, one of the founders of Imperial Pearl. Marlene was a graduate of The Lincoln School and Skidmore College. She was a very active member in the community. She was proud of being the first female State Budget Analyst and the 2nd female stockbroker in the State of Rhode Island.

She had a passion for political activity, working for Robert Kennedy for President, Joseph Garrahy for RI Governor, and was the first female, Democratic candidate for State Treasurer (1988). After successfully beating stage-4 Melanoma in 1988, she went on a life long crusade to help cancer victims and wrote a book, "When Hope Never Dies;" detailing her journey and recovery and including a macrobiotic guide to healing. She was passionate about her children and grandchild, yoga, and teaching others to lead a healthier life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Church, 179 Academy Avenue, Providence, RI. Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours in J. F. Skeffington Chapel, 925 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence Friday 4-8 PM.

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J F Skeffington Funeral Home
925 Chalkstone Avenue
Providence, RI 02908
401-331-3900