Marlene Parker

Marlene (Hornfischer) Parker was born at home in Torrington, CT on April 17, 1935, to Arthur H. Hornfischer and Gertrude (Jasch) Hornfischer. Marlene was happily married to the love of her life, Gary R. Parker for 66 ½ years. They met at a church group as young teenagers, were best friends first, fell in love and married. Sadly, Gary died May 18, 2023. Marlene died on January 23, 2025.

Marlene was raised in Torrington and graduated from Torrington High School in 1952. She served as Co-Chairman of her last Class Reunions and made memory booklets for class members.

Marlene was a lifelong active member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Torrington. Through the years she sang in the youth and senior choir, taught Sunday School, served on the Church Council committees, researched church history for the 50th Anniversary Booklet for St. Paul’s and more.

Marlene was a secretary for many years … first as a teenager at the YMCA. Later, she worked as a legal secretary for 15 years in a Torrington Law Office. Then she found her favorite job as a Realtor, Broker, and Owner of Marlene Parker Real Estate. She loved her clients and enjoyed helping each one buying and selling their homes for over 32 years. She enjoyed serving on committees and Board of Directors of Litchfield County Board of Realtors.

Marlene is survived by her daughter, Nancy Begey and her husband Gary Begey of Torrington, son-in-law Al Melaragno of Torrington, her grandchildren Michael Melaragno, Andrew Melaragno and his wife Brittaney, Eric Begey and his wife Danielle, Lauren Patnaude and her husband Andrew, Nicholas Melaragno, Kevin Begey and his wife Sarah, plus five great granddaughters and one great grandson.

Marlene is also survived by her brother Glenn Hornfischer and his wife Jane, sister-in-law Lucretia Goodwin, as well as many nieces, nephews, and close cousins. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra Melaragno.

Marlene loved her family and made sure each member knew it. Her grandchildren grew up knowing her love for them and that made her feel very special to each one! Even as adults, they were in touch, always texting, calling, or visits together! She was very proud to acknowledge her 6 great grandchildren and loved seeing them as often as possible. It was an honor seeing the next generations of her family!

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 11: 00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 837 Charles St., Torrington, CT. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, The Book of Remembrance, 837 Charles St., Torrington, CT 06790.