Marlene Valentine Serpa

February 28, 1943 – March 12, 2026

With deep love and faith in God’s promise of eternal life, the family of Marlene Valentine Serpa announces her peaceful passing on March 12, 2026, at 8:45 p.m., at her home in Manteca, California, surrounded by love, at the age of 83.

Marlene was born on February 28, 1943, in San Jose, California, to Antone Valentine of Puerto Rico and Mary Vlahusich of New York, both of whom preceded her in death. She was a woman of unwavering faith, a devoted wife, loving mother, and the beloved matriarch of a large and cherished family.

For 55 wonderful years, Marlene shared a loving marriage with her husband, Robert Serpa. Together they built a home centered on faith, family, and community — a place where everyone was welcomed with open arms, a warm meal, and joyful laughter.

She was a proud and loving mother to Edward Wilson, Anthony Wilson, Robert Wilson Jr., and Natalie Serpa, and a cherished mother-in-law to Jennifer Wilson and the late Casey Crowell-Wilson.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She was a beloved grandmother to Jamnes Wilson, Joshua Wilson, Sarah Wilson-Garcia, Thomas Wilson, Timothy Wilson, Cheyenne Wilson-Glendenning, Robert Wilson III, Christopher Serpa, Samuel Serpa, and extended grandchildren David Tunstall and Corianne Tunstall. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Jon Wilson, whom she loved dearly.

Marlene’s legacy continues through her treasured great-grandchildren: Tracy, Nevaeh, Teddy, Bentley, Zoey, Aurora, Joshua Jr., Star, Aidan, Beau, Hayden, Haddi, Cassidy, Tommy, Shaelin, Samuel, Chloe, Steven, and Alecia, each of whom brought her immense pride and happiness.

She is also survived by her siblings Barbara McLean, Tony Valentine, Margaret “Maggie” Govea, Carmen Garza, Frank Valentine, Hilda Madson, and Patricia “Patsie” Rodriguez. She was preceded in death by her brother Salvador “Sal” Rodriguez. Marlene also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who were blessed by her love and guidance.

Throughout her life, Marlene devoted herself to caring for others. She worked in store management with Lane Bryant, later served as a Teacher’s Aide at Searles Elementary School, and worked as a private secretary at BAMs in Union City. In retirement, her servant’s heart continued through 17 years of volunteer service at the Manteca Senior Center, along with involvement in the Calvary Church Heritage Group and as an Auxiliary Lifetime Member of the VFW.

A loyal member of Calvary Community Church for more than 20 years, Marlene’s life was firmly rooted in her faith. She believed deeply in the power of prayer, in welcoming others with kindness, and in trusting God through every season of life.

Marlene found joy in many simple pleasures. She loved camping and fishing, watching football, playing board games and Rummy, gardening, shopping, decorating her home for the holidays, and bringing family together whenever she could. Her home was always filled with laughter, warmth, and love.

Those who knew Marlene will remember her welcoming spirit, contagious laughter, boundless generosity, strong will, and unwavering faith. She was a woman who made everyone feel like family, and her legacy of love and faith will continue through the many lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 11, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Community Church, located at 815 W. Lathrop Road in Manteca, California, with a reception to follow.

Marlene will be cremated and laid to rest at Park View Cemetery & Funeral Home in Manteca, where she will be placed at the water fountain in the center of the garden—a peaceful place that reflects the beauty and serenity she brought to the lives of others.

Though our hearts grieve her loss, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and find comfort knowing she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord she loved so dearly.

The family is grateful for the prayers, love, and encouragement shared by family and friends both near and far who lifted Marlene and her family in faith during this time.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she replied, ‘I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.’”
— John 11:25–27

Her love, faith, and laughter will forever live in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.