Marlene Kostenbauder Holly

Marlene Kostenbauder Holly, 87, of Courtdale, passed away in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital on Sunday, March 26, 2023.

Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, David J. Holly Sr.; and her parents, Howard Kostenbauder and Ebba Carlson Kostenbauder.

Marlene is lovingly remembered by her children, David J. Holly Jr. and his wife, Donna, Duryea; and Howard Holly and his fiancée, Sharon Paulish Griffin, Forty Fort; and her grandchildren, Tara Holly and her husband, Nicholas Rock, Pittston; Brandon Holly and his wife, Stacey Holly, Courtdale; and Matthew Holly and his companion, Alexis Amos, Antioch, Tenn.

Born in Kingston in 1935, Marlene was a 1953 graduate of Luzerne High School. After high school, Marlene earned her master's degree in teaching from Bloomsburg University in 1957. She devoted 32 years to teaching elementary school in Dallas School District.

In her spare time, Marlene loved to bowl. She also enjoyed reading and traveling to new places, and she was always on the go. When her family finally realized that she was never home when they called, they got her a Life Alert so they could keep tabs on her whereabouts. More than anything, Marlene loved her family and her wonderful group of friends. Her happiest times were always when her family gathered together.

Marlene was well-known for her kind heart and willingness to help those in need. She participated in several volunteer and professional organizations. She belonged to Pennsylvania State Education Association, Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Red Hat Society. She also served in the women's auxiliary of the Courtdale Fire Company.

Marlene was an active member of the Courtdale United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and served as chair of Pastor-Parish Relations and treasurer of the Official Board. Friends and family will miss seeing her snow-white hair among the crowd.

A celebration of Marlene's life will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at Hugh B. Hughes & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, with the Rev. Cheryl Cavalari presiding.

Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Courtdale United Methodist Church or Candy's Place, a Cancer Wellness Center, 190 Welles St., #166, Forty Fort, PA 18704.

For information or to send the family a condolence, visit hughbhughes.com.