Marlene
September 28, 1950 - August 8, 2011
Marlene died unexpectedly at a hospital in Padua while on the way to Ferrara with Klaus for a long anticipated visit with our mutual friends, Gerard and Marie.
This is the kind of news that one does not absorb quickly. We grieve for her husband Klaus, son Tom, other surviving family members, and her many, many friends.
I am slow to absorb the fact of Marlene's death. As I process the awful news, memories of our times together - in Paris, in Bedford, in Boston, at our daughter's wedding, at Klaus's 60th birthday - begin to provide solace. Through my memories, she remains a permanent part of my life.
Some of what I remember about Marlene:
She loved steak with bernaise sauce.
She loved her annual getaway with girlfriends.
She loved Cape Cod.
She had no sense of smell yet managed always to smell the roses.
She complained about all the walking she had to do with Klaus, but did it just the same.
She was a thoughtful, kind and empathic friend while being strong in her opinions.
She loved window shopping in Paris.
She was a generous and wonderful hostess.
She loved her family.
Most of all, though, I remember her smile.
