Marlene I. Wason

Marlene Wason, 89, of Richmond Heights, OH, passed peacefully on January 20, 2026. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Marlene was raised in Eastlake, Ohio and was a graduate of the last class at Willoughby Union High School. She was preceded in death by her parents, Laurence and Mollie Bertrand; husband, John “Jack” Wason; brother, Richard “Dick” (Eleanore), and is survived by brother, Winston “Wink/Bert” (Judy) and her children, Jadi Ryan (deceased Jim Machen), Nancy Charlillo (Rick), Bob Wason (Janice Faubert), and Marilyn Wason (Andy Brizee); and grandchildren, Ricky (Abigail) and Christopher.

Aside from raising four children & providing them with a wonderful childhood, Marlene made a career working for the GE Lighting Division at Nela Park where she also participated in their seasonal bowling, golf, and softball leagues. Upon her retirement, she took up crafting & learned to master the art of stained glass. She reveled in finding “treasures” at garage sales, thrift shops, and auctions and was highly entertained by the bells & whistles of a slot machine at the casino. For several years, she endured the sometimes stressful but always memorable annual trip to Gulf Shores, AL to maintain the upkeep of her beloved condo.

In her later years, she anxiously awaited the monthly luncheons with her high school friends and found tranquility observing the birds & other wildlife outside her kitchen window. She was quite content watching her favorite show, Ancient Aliens, on the History Channel, plus all of the binge-worthy dramas on ION TV. Marlene always looked forward to the holiday gatherings with family and friends which will be a continued tradition at her home for many years to come. She will be sorely missed but cherished in our memories and hearts for eternity.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 7th at Spirits of Willoughby, 3872 Erie Street in downtown Willoughby, OH 44094 from 2-5pm.