Marlene Margaret Welch (Smith), daughter of Stephen and Margaret Smith, was born in Camden and raised and attended school in Salem. She resided in Millville for the last 56 years. At the age of 15 she met and married James R. Welch, Sr.. After raising her family, Marlene earned her GED and LPN and worked as a critical care nurse for several years at Millville Hospital. She was also a foster care mother for many years and operated a baby sitting business.
Marlene enjoyed spending time with her children grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She enjoyed going to the movies and dining out. Marlene made sure every birthday was celebrated with a cake. In her later years, she celebrated birthdays with a monthly girl's night out. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Millville and a member of the Amacitia Circle. She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by all.
Marlene was reunited in heaven with her parents, her son Stephen, and her husband James when she passed peacefully on March 13, 2017 at Bishop McCarthy Residence. She is survived by: 5 children, Linda Shaw (Harry), Susan Williams (Donald), James R. Welch, Jr. (Colleen), April Welch (Mike), and Georgia Wettstein (Jeffrey); a brother, Ronald Smith; 13 grandchildren, Paul (Melanie), Tony (Kandise), Donald (Ginger), Lisa Noel (Rob), Thomas, Timothy (Karen), Tiffany (Nick), Tiffany, Brittany, Mandi, Justin (Lizbeth), Debra (Jason), and Jamie; and 13 great grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Marlene's funeral service 12 PM Monday, March 20, 2017, at First United Methodist Church in Millville, where there will be a viewing from 11 AM to 12 PM. Interment will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.