Marlene Harper

Marlene Harper of Garnet Valley, a caring wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away on November 2, 2021 at age 82. Born in 1939 to the late Joseph and Helen (Bishop) Arena, Marlene graduated from Chester High School in 1956, then worked locally as a secretary. After raising five kids to the sounds of 60s WIP radio and 70s yacht rock, she retired from sales automation software company Sales Technologies and began her second career: social butterfly. Marlene loved 5000-piece jigsaw puzzles, murder mysteries, movie-going, Elvis Presley and Diet Cherry Pepsi. You could often find her lunching with several of her many friends, discussing travel, favorite TV shows, books and other joys. Marlene is preceded in death by her husband George (“Nip”) Harper and brother-in-law Rick Gamble. Surivors: Children: Karen Forte, Linda Ashbee (Dan), Sandy Lupton (John), Deborah Forte and Steven Forte (Helene St. Leger) and ex-husband Gabriel Forte; Siblings: Carole Scotti (Jim Gerl), Joan Arena, Bonnie Gamble and Albert Arena. Marlene is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and an abundance of close friends. Visitation: Wednesday, November 10, 2021, 10am-11:15am at Nolan-Fidale Funeral Home, 5980 Chichester Ave., Aston, PA, 19014. Funeral Service: Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 11:30am at Nolan-Fidale Funeral Home. Burial: Private. Per the family’s request, masks are suggested while inside of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers: Donation may be made in Marlene’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences: www.nolanfidale.com