Marlene A. Van Doren Falvo

Marlene A. Van Doren Falvo, formerly of Greensburg, passed from this life on January 17, 2025, in Roanoke, VA. Marlene was born on November 28, 1934, the daughter of the late Leo and Lucille (Binder) Wagner of Adrian, MI. She graduated from Lenawee County Normal Teaching College and began her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse. She worked as a Teacher for 32 years. Marlene married N. Richard “Dick” Van Doren (✝2004) in 1956 and the couple raised three boys, Michael Edward, Jeffrey Alan, and David Matthew (✝2018). After moving to Latrobe in July 1969, “Miss Marlene” worked at several preschools before founding Country Day Nursery School, which she operated at St. Matthias Lutheran Church in Greensburg for 15 years.

Marlene and Dick retired and became snowbirds, spending their winters in Sebring, FL at Tanglewood retirement community. They enjoyed an active retirement with numerous Tanglewood friends. Marlene learned to clog and took other classes and served on various committees at Tanglewood. Following Dick’s passing, Marlene met the second love of her life, Vincent Falvo (✝2022), and the couple married in 2005. They enjoyed the next 17 years together and also wintered at Tanglewood. Marlene and Vince traveled the world, including a tour of Russia, cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, the Panama Canal, and several river cruises in Europe. They vacationed in Nags Head, NC every summer with Vince’s family.

Marlene loved being a grandmother to her grandchildren. Granddaughter Allison has particularly fond memories of playing Cinderella with her Papa Dick as the Prince and Grandma Marlene as the Stepmother.

In addition to her parents, husbands, and son, David, Marlene was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Nancy Jean (Wagner) Studnicka of Deerfield, MI; and granddaughter, Kathleen Ann Van Doren. She is survived by her sons, Michael (Linda), of Greensburg, and Jeffrey (Maureen), of Roanoke, VA; daughter-in-law, Heather Sweesy, of Harmony, PA; and grandchildren, Allison Van Doren, Erica Van Doren, Derek Brooks, Jessica Gorman, and Nikki Geiger. She is also survived by stepdaughter, Susan (Brian) Farrell, of Damascus, MD; stepson, David (Cindy) Falvo, of Monroeville; and step grandchildren, Brice Farrell, Adam Farrell (Danielle), Ethan Farrell (Hannah), Alexandra Falvo (Andrew Lamar) and Elisa (John) Midgette; plus two step great granddaughters and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 1011 Mount Pleasant Rd., Greensburg. Family and friends will be received from 9 to 10 AM in the narthex of the church before Mass. Interment will follow at Greensburg Catholic Cemetery. The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to the Central & Western VA Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Assoc. of America. www.alz.org/cwva.  LEO M. BACHA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 516 Stanton Street, Greensburg is assisting with arrangements.  www.bachafh.com

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