Marlene Peterson

Marlene Nora Peterson of Bloomingdale NJ passed away peacefully in the arms of her family to the loving light of our Savior on January 27th at 89 years old. Marlene was born on July 13, 1935, to Whitford and Helen Tomlin in Waltham, Massachusetts where she grew up with her six siblings. In the year 1955, Marlene graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in Waltham.  For most of Marlene’s life her occupation was managing clerk for Drake’s Bakery and belonging to the Teamsters Union. 

Family was everything to Marlene, she was a devoted mother to her four children and loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her joy came from their accomplishments. Marlene was an avid crafter and loved to crochet. She crocheted scarfs, hats, gloves, and blankets for the homeless. In addition, she also loved to read and complete puzzles. Perhaps her greatest joy was traveling with her friends and family. 

Marlene is survived by her four beloved children, Lynn Beim, Kurt Peterson and wife Jeanine, Karen Arabia and her husband Joe, David Peterson and Miriam Caceres. Her 12 grandchildren Tracy Kloo and husband, Mathew, Tara Age and husband, Aaron, Amanda Ryerson and husband, Brian, Joseph Arabia and wife Audrey, Bryan Peterson, Daniel Arabia and wife Erika, David Arabia and wife Jessica, Thomas Arabia, Marlene Cammarata and husband Thomas John, Alex Beim and fiancé Julia Booth, April Peterson and Margo Peterson. Her 10 great grandchildren, Harlyn, Braylee, Maddox, Braeden, Heidi, Charlotte, Daniel, Joseph, Quinn and Savanna. She is survived by her sister, Judith West and husband, Ronald, her brother, Ronald Tomlin, and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Tomlin. 

Marlene was predeceased by her father and mother, Whitford and Helen Tomlin, her much loved, son-in-law, Neil Beim, brother Robert Tomlin and wife Marsha, brother Roy Tomlin, sister Helen (Lindy) McGuire, brother Richard Tomlin, and her sister-in-law, Charlene Tomlin. 

The services for the celebration of Marlene’s life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 9:00am-11:00am at the Morrison Etheridge Funeral Home, 86 Bartholdi Ave, Butler, NJ. A funeral mass will be offered at 11:30am on Saturday at St. Anthony of Padua RC Church, Butler, NJ. 

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations Alzheimer’s New Jersey, 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Suite 203, Roseland, NJ 07068.