Marlene M. Peplinski

Peplinski, Marlene M. Bay City, Michigan Marlene passed away Friday, January 7, 2022 at McLaren Bay Region, at the age of 82. The daughter of the late Lloyd and Nellie (Wieschowski) Peplinski was born May 5, 1939 in Alpena, Michigan. Marlene was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish. She graduated from Visitation High School, went on to receive her Bachelor's Degree from Madonna University and her Master's Degree from Central Michigan University. Marlene's career included ministering to the Roman Catholic Church in education as a teacher for 22 years and principal for eight years with the Catholic School system at St. Mary's Cathedral in Gaylord, also served as Director of Religious Education at the Shrine in Indian River for eleven years and as an Administrator of Holy Redeemer Parish in Vanderbilt for ten years. In her thirty-year career she was instrumental in bringing the school to receive Nation Exemplary School Award as well as Catholic School accreditation for the first time. She was named principal of the year for the Diocese of Gaylord in 1987. Upon leaving the school system, Marlene served as Director of Faith Formation in the Dioceses of Gaylord, developing the Lay Ministry Program for the dioceses in 1991. In this position she worked with adult faith formation programs as well as pastoral councils. Her work led to establish the first Diocesan Pastoral Council and coordinating of three Diocesan Pastoral Assemblies, as well as developing a process for the Transition of Clergy. At the age 62 she retired and returned to part-time ministry in the Cathedral. In the next 5 years she wrote and coordinated a process for parish Family Faith Formation program, retiring full time in 2006. Being a foster mom to Joseph Nguyen, Marlene showed all her love and her care for her foster son. She made sure that her son was well taken care of. Joseph stopped contacting Marlene after he dropped out of college, Marlene searched for him and let him know that she always loved and cared for him even if he couldn't continue his education. Knowing how much Joseph missed his natural family back in Vietnam, Marlene took a trip to Vietnam with him to visit his family. Even after Joseph got married, Marlene continued to love and care for his new family. Marlene was a proud grandmother to Rebecca and Karen. Marlene was such a loving and caring person. Left to cherish her memory is her foster son, Joseph (Yen) Nguyen; grandchildren, Karen Nguyen, Rebecca (Marcus) Chlopek; her brothers and sister, James Peplinski, Patricia Cathcart and Kenneth Peplinski. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her nephew, Michael Cathcart; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Edward Cathcart, Sandra Peplinski, Lorraine Peplinski; her niece, Jeanne Cathcart. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Parish the celebrant will Rev. Fr. John Sarge with interment following in St. Patrick's Cemetery. The family will be present at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Thursday to receive family and friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Vigil for the Deceased will take place Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Marlene will be taken to the church on Friday to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission. On-line condolences may be shared at www.gephartfuneralhome.com.