Marlene Otto Morrell

Marlene Otto Morrell, 88, of Pittsburgh, died September 14, 2025 at Good Samaritan Hospice, Wexford, PA after a rapid decline in health. A native of Emsworth, PA, she was the youngest of the late Gertrude and Walter Otto.

Marlene was a true Pittsburgher, her roots ran deep in the region. She grew up in Emsworth, graduating from Avonworth High School in 1955. Her high school years were spent working at the family business, Otto's Suburban Dairy on Camp Horne Road. The work at the dairy - scooping hard ice cream - was a labor of love that gave her impressive muscles, a strength she carried into her later years. Her memories from the dairy were always a topic of conversation through late life, she never missed an opportunity to chat with someone who had a connection to the dairy.

Upon high school graduation, Marlene continued her education at Grove City College, where she developed a deep affection for the values the college stood for and instilled in its students. Following her time there, she served as a volunteer, attended Homecoming and Reunion events, and was an active member of the Alumni Council during retirement.

In early 1959, Marlene took a job with Alcoa in their personnel department. Her position gave her access to potential job candidates and their photos; so when Bob Morrell, a California native, arrived for his position at Alcoa, Marlene was there to welcome him. The rest is history; the two were married in November of 1963.

Marlene devoted her life to raising their three daughters, and still found time to participate in many hobbies. She enjoyed playing tennis, knitting, gardening and spending weekends at their home at Indian Lake. There she could be found golfing, fishing, or foraging for elderberries to make her famous homemade jelly. Marlene also had a love for baking, and the scent of chocolate chip cookies or apple pie often filled her kitchen and were shared with her friends on Ascot Place. She was also involved with Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church and loved to deliver Meals on Wheels.

Marlene valued her close friends, with whom she never turned down a lunch opportunity.

Following Bob's retirement, the two spent the time at their home in Bonita Springs Florida where they had several Pittsburgh friends to spend time with.

Marlene was her happiest when she was with or talking to her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband Robert and brother Wayne Otto. Marlene is survived by her three daughters: Molly Sweitzer and her husband Mike and their three children, Madison Jane, Samuel Morrell and Owen Michael; Kristin Morrell and her three daughters, Leah Mae (Matthew) Villers, Margaret Maylon Bovard and Trudy Morrell Bovard; Suzanne Crutcher and her husband Bryan and their three sons, Bryan Patterson, John Walter and George Hartman; and Marlene's great grandson Ezekiel Paul who is 11 months old. Marlene's infectious laugh and deep love for her family and friends will be deeply missed. She was a woman who valued strong, lasting relationships and never hesitated to show her care. Her legacy of kindness, laughter, and love will live on in all who knew her.

A celebration of Marlene's life will be held on Saturday, September 20th, at 11 a.m. with clergy from Hope Lutheran Church officiating at Simons Funeral Home, Inc., 7720 Perry Hwy., Pgh., PA 15237. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude and thank the wonderful caregivers at Good Samaritan Hospice, and as the staff and friends at the Sherwood Oaks community.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Grove City College. Donations can be made online at www.gcc.edu/give or mailed to: Grove City College, Office of Advancement, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, PA 16127. Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Marlene (Otto) Morrell.

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