Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Marlene Fondakowski Obituary
Marlene, the only daughter of Helen (Jurkowski) Balut and Andrew Balut, grew up in Easthampton, and graduated from Sacred Heart School and Easthampton High School.
After graduation, she was employed for a number of years at the Northampton State Hospital in the medical records room. She left to work for an attorney in Northampton for a short period of time, but soon took a position in the board of public works in Easthampton. She later worked in the tax collector's office in the town of Southampton, where she retired.
Marlene was very active in the Sacred Heart Parish in Easthampton, and the Sacred Heart School PTA where her children also attended, as well as all Easthampton youth lassie and little leagues, youth basketball, and youth soccer teams. Over the course of her life, she volunteered her time often in the service of others.
After moving to Westfield, she became an active member of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Westfield, where she cooked and served meals to the homeless for several years. An avid cook, she became a part-time cook for Father Dan Pacholec, the pastor of Blessed Sacrament, once even cooking a meal for the current Bishop, Mitchell T. Rozanski.
She is survived by her husband Edward and her four children, Andrew of New Britain, Connecticut, Stephen of Pelham, New Hampshire, Leigh of New York City, and Melissa of New York City. She also leaves behind her seven grandchildren, Jonathan, Jarrett, Rebecca, Nathanael Stephen, Anna Elizabeth, Samuel Edward and Josefina.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, May 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home. The funeral will take place Monday, May 9, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Church, 33 Adams St., Easthampton. Burial will follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Easthampton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice, 77 Mill St., Suite 201, Westfield, MA 01085. www.mitchellcofuneralhome.com.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marlene Fondakowski
Fr. Dan Pacholec
May 7, 2016
To you Ed, and to the whole family - our thoughts and prayers are with you from Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Westfield.
Sue Meunier and Family
May 7, 2016
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Sue Meunier, Maci and Marisa
May 7, 2016
Jarrett and Co,
So sorry to hear about your loss. May tears shed turn to happy memories.
Warmly,
May 6, 2016
Ed and Fondakowski kids - Much sympathy to you all. Celebrate the life of that fine woman you called wife and mom. RIP Marlene. Mary Ann Vinelli
Walter Kress
May 6, 2016
Eddie,
We are so sorry to hear about Marlene.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Chris and Walter Kress
John Dee
May 6, 2016
Very sad to hear about Marlene. Your family is in my thoughts & prayers.
Joan Benham
May 5, 2016
Ed, thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
RICHARD AND BARBARA FONTAINE (NEIGHBORS AND POLKA PALS)
May 5, 2016
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Charles & Helen Curtin
May 5, 2016
Eddie & Family,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts, love & prayers are with you. Marlene was a great lady and certainly will be missed. RIP
Carole Welch Lavalle
May 5, 2016
Eddie and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Frank Jurkowski
May 4, 2016
sending love and prayers. so sorry for your loss.
Frank Jurkowski
May 4, 2016
for cousin Marlene love, Frank, Kathy and family
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Marlene Fondakowski's name
Memorial Events
for Marlene Fondakowski
Funeral services provided by:
Mitchell Funeral Home - Easthampton15 Park Street, Easthampton, MA 01027
How to support Marlene's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Marlene Fondakowski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
