Leet, Marlene Francis' Obituary
Marlene passed away peacefully in her sleep at Granite Hills Wellness Center in El Cajon, California (Additional care: Mission Hospice, Science Care).
Graveside interment of ashes with a poetic reading and prayer service, was held on December 3, 2024, at Greenwood Memorial Park, San Diego, California.
Marlene was born in 1934, in Little Rock, Arkansas to Earl and Thelma Edwards. She grew up in, and was a proud resident of San Diego, California, attended San Diego High School, and graduated from Memorial High School. She was formerly married to Fred E. Leet who preceded her in death in 1978. They had four children. She was also preceded in death by her son, Lawrence in 2014 and all five of her siblings: Eloise, Natalie, Theodore, Eunice, and Loretta. She is survived by three daughters: Teresa, Gerry, and Rebecca. She is also survived by Colleen, dear friend, and mother of, Marlene’s only grandchild from her son Lawrence; 6 more grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and several nephews and nieces.
Always creative, Marlene worked in many media, producing beautiful clothing; drawings from pencil, charcoal, and chalk; and paintings in oil, acrylic, and Sumi-e. She even enjoyed building her own homes in both CA and AZ. While raising her family she spent 13 yrs in window design sales for a women's clothing company, then 5 yrs in hardware sales. An avid gardener, she grew food for family meals and later ran her own landscape business for 15 yrs in AZ. All through she always loved riding her Triumph motorcycle. At 69 yrs old she became a wildlands firewoman for Williamson Valley Fire Dept and contributed much energy to her beloved community in Prescott, AZ before retiring to a 38-acre ranch in Colorado from which she and her son eventually returned to CA to enjoy the beautiful community of Warner Springs. Sadly, and suddenly, her son Lawrence passed at 60 yrs of age. She spent later yrs w her youngest daughter and created many beautiful paintings.
Forever in our hearts.
Our family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support during this difficult time.
Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the San Diego ASPCA or Friends of Sumi-e.
What’s your fondest memory of Marlene?
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Share a story where Marlene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marlene you’ll never forget.
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