Marlena Ahanin DeLong

1939 - 2023

BORN

1939

DIED

2023

Marlena DeLong Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Marlena Ahanin DeLong
Start: 2023-10-13T18:00:00.000Z
Location: St. James Presbyterian Church

Marlena Ahanin DeLong

1939 ~ 2023

Encino, CA-Marlena DeLong, beloved wife, momma, and Nana, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2023 surrounded by her husband and daughter in Reseda, California after a long battle with vascular dementia. She was 83.

She was a traveler, thinker, voracious reader, but above all, loving mother and wife.

Born in Price, Utah on December 4, 1939 to Lena and Mark Chipman, Marlena graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City and earned her B.A. and M.A. in English from the University of Utah. She then completed the coursework and exams for a PhD in history.

After college, she and a friend traveled throughout Europe for over a year, working as aux pairs and living with a French family. She learned fluent French and kept it up throughout her life by studying French language and culture in programs in Pennsylvania and Avignon, France.

She had a diverse career. She taught a total of 16 years at Murray Junior High School, Westlake Junior High School, Granger High School and the University of Utah. She taught courses in French, English literature and grammar, history, cinema, and drama.

She was active in Democratic Party politics in Utah. She worked as a continuity editor at KSL Television; for the city government as a neighborhood liaison; and as a writer for Utah Holiday Magazine. She met the love of her life, Scott, after he knocked on her door campaigning for a political candidate.

Marlena and Scott moved to Virginia and she worked for two historical documentary editing projects: The Papers of George Washington in Charlottesville and, afterwards, the Papers of James Monroe in Fredericksburg. She and Scott relocated to California after her retirement to be closer to her daughter and granddaughter.

She is survived by her husband Scott DeLong, daughter Natasha Urias, son-in-law Arn, granddaughter Ariana, and brother Jim Chipman.

A memorial service will be held on Friday October 13 at 11:00 am at St. James Presbyterian Church 19414 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356.

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

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune, The Salt Lake Tribune from Sep. 28 to Oct. 4, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Marlena DeLong

4 Entries

Sakellaridis Evangelos

February 26, 2024

Marlena had helped me since I was a child (as a foster carer) from 1968 to about 1983. We corresponded almost every month. I also remember the photo of Natasha she sent me. She was very happy. I always admired her for how many activities she had. A huge hugs and great love for everyone. I believe that God will count all of this above her.
evangelos sakellaridis GREECE .

Bill Boyd

October 6, 2023

Marlena was my first cousin, once removed. (She was the daughter of my grandmother´s younger brother, Mark Chipman.) Marlena was a fine teacher, and we both shared an affinity for the French language. My late mother, Mary Boyd, especially enjoyed spending time with Marlena and Scott, as did our family in Salt Lake City. Marlena was a great mother and raised a fine daughter named Natasha. Rest In Peace, Marlena....

Steve Smith and Martha Rampton

October 1, 2023

We taught with Marlena at Granger High School for several years. We then knew her in Virginia as Martha and I and Marlena and Scott pursued our various paths. Marlena was unfailingly bright, friendly, open, and supportive. We remember fondly how she and Scott connected with us in Virginia for a memorable Thanksgiving. We are sorry we lost track of them in the ensuing years. We wish Marlena a wonderful rest and Natasha and family and Scott a lovely set of memories.

Laurel Shepard

September 30, 2023

Miss Chipman taught me French in junior high at Riverview Jr. High. She ignited a lifelong love affair with France! I am so sorry for your loss, she was a fabulous person. Thank you for sharing her with us. Laurel Shepard