Search by Name

Search by Name

Marlene Marie Donaldson

1952 - 2025

Marlene Marie Donaldson obituary, 1952-2025, Oregon, IL

BORN

1952

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home - Oregon

110 South Seventh Street

Oregon, Illinois

Marlene Donaldson Obituary

Marlene Marie Donaldson
Born: January 17, 1952 in Oregon, IL
Died: December 27, 2025 in Oregon, IL
Marlene Marie Donaldson, age 73, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
Marlene was born on January 17, 1952, in Oregon, the daughter of Marlin Jones and Ella (Hoffman) Jones. She was raised in Oregon and graduated from Oregon High School, Class of 1970.
On June 20, 1970, Marlene married the love of her life, Randy Donaldson. Together, they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage, building a beautiful life filled with love and family.
Marlene dedicated 47 years of service to Etnyre before her retirement. She had a passion for decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween-her favorite. She was well known for her amazing homemade popcorn balls and her love of baking cookies for family and friends.
Above all else, Marlene cherished her family. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who treasured every moment spent with her loved ones.
She is survived by her husband, Randy Donaldson of Oregon; her daughters, Cindy (Michael) Engbert of Leaf River and Marcie Nielsen of Roscoe; her grandchildren, Mackenzie and Jace Engbert, and Matthew, Christopher, Nathan, and Andrew Nielsen; her brother, Randall (Mary) Jones of Oregon; and her sister-in-law, Penny Jones of Oregon.
Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Debbie Jones and Marlin Jones; and two infant brothers.
Per Marlene's wishes, no services will be held at this time.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ogle County Life from Jan. 5 to Jan. 12, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Marlene Donaldson

Sponsored by Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home - Oregon Oregon Chapel.

Not sure what to say?





Make a Donation
in Marlene Donaldson's name

Memorial Events
for Marlene Donaldson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home - Oregon

110 South Seventh Street P.O. Box 68, Oregon, IL 61061

How to support Marlene's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Marlene Donaldson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more