Boardman –Marlene Joan Horlick, 86, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025, surrounded by her devoted husband Chester and their children, following a hospital stay. She had been living with vascular dementia.
She was born in Lowellville in 1938 to Tony and Frances Davanzo Bisconti.
Marlene graduated from Lowellville High School and pursued a career in the medical field as a cytotechnologist at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, where she worked alongside wonderful colleagues and formed deep friendships.
She met her husband, Chester, in 1960 at a Friday night dance. They were married in 1962 and honeymooned in the Bahamas. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Mt. Carmel, joined by family and friends-including many from their wedding party, such as her best friend and cousin Barbara. Marlene treasured her family connections, enjoying monthly cousin lunches and the annual family picnic. She and Chester also attended cancer survivor dinners, where they built meaningful friendships with others, including Val who started the group.
In the 1980s, Marlene followed her passion for travel by founding her own travel agency. Together, she and Chester explored Italy, Spain, Greece, Mexico, Jamaica, Aruba, and more. They loved seeing shows in Las Vegas and spending winters in Arizona or Florida. But they were happiest at sea-sometimes leading groups of friends on cruises, and other times meeting new friends along the way.
One of their most cherished memories was a recent cruise with their children. In the evenings, Marlene and Chester would attend the late show and enjoy the ship's entertainment, only to discover their children had already fallen asleep.
A devout Catholic, Marlene attended church every Sunday and often during the week. She never missed Mass while traveling.
She is survived by her husband, Chester Horlick; son, Todd Horlick; daughter, Lisa Morgan; and her son-in-law, Michael Knott.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Richard.
Friends and family will be received on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue, Boardman.
There will be prayers starting at 10 a.m on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the funeral home followed by a 11:00 a.m Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Church in Lowellville.
In lieu of family donations, the family requests that your donations go to the
Dementia Society of America.
Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support by visiting the Book of Memories at ww.rossifunerals.com.
Published by Mahoning Matters on Aug. 27, 2025.