Marlene Otto Morrell

Marlene Otto Morrell, 88, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, died September 14, 2025 at Good Samaritan Hospice House, Wexford, after a rapid decline in her health. A native of Emsworth, PA, she was the youngest child of the late Gertrude and Walter Otto.
Marlene was a true Pittsburgher. She grew up in Emsworth, and graduated 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. Her work there, scooping hard ice cream, was a labor of love that gave her impressive arm muscles, which stayed strong until her later years. Marlene's memories of the Dairy were always a topic of conversation throughout her life and she loved nothing more than meeting someone who had a connection to the Dairy.
Upon high school graduation, Marlene continued her education at Grove City College. While there, she joined Theta Alpha Pi, studied Business Education and grew compassionate for everything that Grove City stood for; she spread that message to family and friends. Following her time there she never missed an opportunity to visit, volunteer, or walk in the homecoming parade. During her retirement, she was an active member of the Alumni Council.
In early 1959, Marlene took a job with Alcoa in the 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.
While raising her 3 daughters, Marlene also enjoyed playing tennis, knitting, gardening and spending weekends at their home at Indian Lake. When she wasn't out hunting for elderberries to use for homemade jelly, she loved golfing and fishing. Marlene had a love for baking, and whether it was her famous chocolate chip cookies or apple pie, there were always homemade treats available for her friends on Ascot Place. She was an active member of Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church and loved to deliver Meals on Wheels. Following Bob's retirement, the two enjoyed spending time at their home in Bonita Springs Florida, where the door was always open.
Marlene was her happiest when she was with her loving family. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob 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 Bovard (Matt) 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 valued her close friends with whom she never turned down an opportunity to spend time. She had an infectious laugh, and she loved deeply.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the caregivers at Good Samaritan Hospice House as well as the staff and friends of the Sherwood Oaks community.
A service to celebrate the life of Marlene Morrell will be held at 11am on Saturday September 20th at Simons Funeral Home, 7720 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to Grove City College 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.