Marlene Girardin

1933 - 2021

Marlene Girardin

Amherst, MA — Marlene Ray Girardin, the bright, brilliant, and beautiful comet who first appeared May 22, 1933 in Ealing, England, made a remarkably comfortable and compassionate exit from the gravity of Planet Earth on July 14, 2021 in Amherst, MA.

Marlene was a woman of incredible courage and character…qualities that that served her well…particularly in her final days. She never wavered from doing what was human and kind; her friends and family knew this, and often sought her counsel… even though her sage advice wasn't always what they wanted to hear. (It should be noted that Marlene's wisdom was often dispensed with her sweet – yet sometimes salty - language. Her go-to favorite – unprintable here – rhymed with what you might call your brother who was a trucker. Yet with her lilting British accent, this phrase somehow sounded more complimentary than pejorative.)

Marlene loved and embraced adventures. Not the Jane Goodall/Indiana Jones kind… But rather the Everyday Adventures of Life. This was likely instilled at the age of 6, when the blitzkrieg of London mandated that Marlene and two of her siblings be evacuated to the English countryside. Though this displacement lasted three long years, the children were allowed occasional visits home, during which Marlene and Jeanne - her sister, soul mate, and lifelong co-conspirator - would explore the ruins of nearby bombed-out buildings, foraging for shell casings and other wondrous treasures. Adventures indeed!

This spirit led Marlene to immigrate to the U.S. at the age of 19. "I wanted to travel," she said. But when she arrived in Manhattan, she realized that NYC offered all the adventures she needed. And it was there that she embarked on the greatest adventure of her life… her 60-year marriage and love affair with actor Ray Girardin.

Shortly after they were married, they relocated to California, where Ray's career blossomed and where Marlene – never content to sit on the sidelines – began an amazingly successful career as the manager (and eventual owner) of an iconic Beverly Hills salon. She and Ray bought a house and life was good; but it became idyllic when they adopted 5 year-old Donny and their house magically became a home. Marlene was a natural mom, and immersed herself in U.S. youth sports, cheering from the bleachers not only for Donny's team, but for the opponents as well. Her enthusiasm was so contagious that in her very first year as a Little League Mom, the kids on the team named her MVP (Most Valuable Parent). Their "Arcola House" was a favorite spot for kids and parents alike. Marlene was an incredible hostess, and Ray was a deft mixologist, well known for his secret-recipe tequila sunrises. And horrible Dean Martin impersonations.

After 30+ years in L.A., and with Donny off on a successful career of his own, Marlene and Ray decided to relocate to Kent, CT, where Marlene's keen sense of style promptly drew the attention of local designers. And in the blink of one of Marlene's beautiful green eyes, she opened her own thriving space at a successful décor venue, while Ray continued booking numerous acting roles in NY.

Then it was on to MA – first to The Cape, then to Amherst where they re-united with Marlene's sister/running mate, Jeanne, and her bon vivant husband, Norton Juster.

Marlene's departure from this earthly spectrum propelled her to a joyful celestial reunion with her husband Ray, son Donny, her sister Jeanne, brother-in-law Norton, and her brother Ken.

Marlene is survived by her sister Joan of England, her brother Brian of Australia, her sister-in-law Nancy Benjamin and husband Gary of Newton NH, her cousin/confidante/pal, Patti Maynard of Northampton, and her daily phone companion and laughter partner, Mike Girardin of Vancouver, CA .

In addition to her scores of friends on both coasts, Marlene will also be missed and celebrated by dozens of nieces and nephews.

And at the top of this list are the spectacular Emily Juster of Amherst, and her vibrant, beautiful, and talented daughter Tori. Both are true Guardian Angels who demonstrated their love and devotion to Marlene daily. Emily has been an astute Health Care Advocate, a gateway to legal and financial advice, and an incredibly generous benefactor, providing Marlene with 24/7 care by a team of dedicated and tender superwomen from Gomes Health Care of Hadley. Thank you Maria, Ester, Laidiny, and Keisha for the love and empathy you showered on dear Marlene. And to Hospice Nurse Deb for the same.

And finally, a grateful Thank You to Dr. Paul Sahd, D.O., of Hadley Family Medicine for treating Marlene not only as your patient, but as your friend. Your skill and understanding meant the world to her.

In lieu of flowers or other kindnesses, Marlene urged donations be made to the spectacular, compassionate angels who lovingly guided her final orbit: Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Hospice of the Fisher Home

1165 N. Pleasant St.

Amherst, MA 01002