Lydia Ann Marlow

Lydia Ann Marlow, 65, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her devoted family, on February 25, 2026, at her home in Burnt Hills, New York. She was born February 22, 1961, in Utica, New York, and from the very beginning, Lydia filled every room she entered with light, warmth, and her vibrant personality.

Raised in the suburbs of Utica as the only girl among a house full of boys, she became a natural caretaker and could quite literally hold down any fort. From childhood on, she was known for her infectious laugh, outgoing nature, and effortless ability to make friends wherever she went. She graduated from New Hartford High School in 1979, where she formed lifelong friendships that she carried throughout her life.

Her adventurous spirit led her to the Albany School of Pharmacy, where she earned her degree in 1984. College life for Lydia was fun; she lived with her friends, filling those years with stories, laughter, and memories that she would joyfully retell decades later.

It was that same sense of adventure that led her to the love of her life, Stephen J. Marlow. They were married in 1986 and began their life together in Utica, where Lydia worked in local pharmacies. Soon after, they planted roots in Burnt Hills, the place that would become the heart of the Marlow family.

In 1989, Lydia embraced the role she treasured most: motherhood. Her two sons were her entire world. She proudly became a stay-at-home mom - with a twist. Encouraged by her pro-military husband, Lydia joined the United States Air Force Reserve, a decision she would always consider one of the most random yet rewarding of her life. By day, she was "Mom," and by nights and weekends, she served her country - giving 100% to both roles without ever missing a beat.

She was the ultimate involved mother: a dedicated PTA volunteer, Boy Scout chauffeur, sideline cheerleader for every sport imaginable, and eventually a full-fledged hockey mom during her sons' teenage years. She never missed a game, concert, ceremony, or school event. And when her sons became fathers themselves, Lydia's heart expanded as she proudly stepped into her favorite later-life title: Nonna.

Her home was her sanctuary, beautifully decorated, warm, and always open. She had impeccable style and could not be found without a thoughtfully matched outfit and jewelry set, even if she was babysitting and expected spit-up on her shoulder. Shopping was practically her sport (QVC was her teammate), and she had the fashion sense to prove it.

But Lydia's true love language was food.

Her Italian roots lived in every pot she stirred and every tray she packed. She was a phenomenal cook and baker, and no one ever left her home hungry; every visitor was sent home with leftovers, whether they asked for them or not! The holidays, especially Christmas, were her masterpiece. Her cookie trays were legendary, and her hosting brought people together in the way only Lydia could.

For years, Lydia sold Mary Kay, a natural fit for her outgoing personality and gift for conversation. She was also a loyal parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church in Schenectady, where she volunteered often, particularly for programs that supported children and families, including Lasagna Love.

Lydia and Stephen created a lifetime of memories traveling from Caribbean cruises to military journeys, and more often than not, hockey tournaments. Wherever they went, laughter followed. In later years, Myrtle Beach became their special retreat together.

She was proud of her service as a veteran, proud of her family, and proud of the life she built, a life centered around welcoming others. If you stepped into Lydia's home, you were immediately part of it-her son's friends became honorary children.

Easy-going by nature but wonderfully stubborn when she needed to be, Lydia stood firmly for the people she loved. Alongside Stephen, she also served as a board member of the Hudson Champlain Porsche Club, another community she cherished deeply.

Lydia was predeceased by her loving husband, Stephen J. Marlow, her brother, Jerry Reginelli, and her father, Gerald Martin Reginelli. She is survived by her children, Paul Michael (Kristen) Marlow and Roland (Shea) Marlow; her cherished grandchildren, Alianna Marlow, Mackenzie Nixon, Brooke Marlow, and John Marlow; mother, Pasqualina Fanelli; her brothers, Rick (Lisa DiNardo) Reginelli and David (Patricia) Reginelli; sister-in-law, Lynn Reginelli; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Lydia made life brighter, fuller, and far more colorful, and she leaves behind a legacy measured not in years but in the countless people she fed, hugged, encouraged, and gathered around her table.

Calling hours will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, on Sunday, March 8th, from 2 PM to 5 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Church in Schenectady will begin on Monday, March 9th at 11 AM, immediately followed by military honors and burial at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital: 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com