Marlene Elsie Moore

Marlene Elsie Moore
Age 81

Marlene was born January 7, 1943 and died May 24, 2024. Preceded in death by father, John H. Lindstrom; and mother, Carla E. Carlson; husband, Thomas F. Moore; and daughter, Lisa M. Moore. Survived by sons, David Moore (Becca Nash) and Daniel Moore (Laura Raymond); grandchildren, Emily Moore and Henry Moore, and their mother, Amy Treon.

Marlene was born into a Swedish immigrant family and community in Northeast Minneapolis. She remembered speaking Swedish to her elders when she was young and was proud of maintaining her cultural traditions throughout her life. Marlene graduated from Minneapolis Edison High School and Swedish Hospital School of Nursing. Marlene wanted to be a nurse since she was very young and remained friends with her nurses training cohort throughout the rest of her life and helped plan some of their reunions. She worked as an RN at Deaconess hospital for many years, and later she worked at Mt. Sinai hospital and Ebenezer nursing home. In addition to nursing, Marlene also owned a small sewing and alterations business, doing alterations for private clients and for a dry cleaner at the Hub shopping mall. She also made quilted purses that she sold at consignment shops. In the mid 1980s she transitioned out of nursing and took classes in administration and clerical studies to prepare her for a position with the Hennepin County Attorney’s office.

In 1985, her husband of 19 years abruptly and tragically died of a cerebral aneurysm. This left Marlene to continue raising her children solo, two of whom were still at home. Despite the loss of her husband’s income, she was a master of budgeting, and still was able to provide for her family, and even helped pay for each of her children to attend college. As her professional interests continued to evolve, Marlene completed a BA in Social Work at Metro State University and finished her career as a case aid for Hennepin County Human Services.

Marlene’s main passions were quilting and reading. For many years she would submit quilts to be judged at the Minnesota State Fair, winning ribbons most years, including one for “Best Hand Quilting.” She also participated in several quilting groups over the years, often working with others to make quilts for families in need. Marlene was a voracious reader; she especially liked murder mysteries. Her meticulous record keeping details the thousands of books she read throughout her life, and the hundreds she still had hoped to read. In 2014, after years of being a fan of Agatha Christie, Marlene made a trip with her son Daniel to the birthplace of Agatha Christie, coincidently during the annual festival honoring the author.

Marlene had very strong values for social and human rights that were passed on to her children. She was a lifelong supporter of the labor movement, and a long-time union member. One of her cherished possessions was a yard sign for the late Minnesota Senator, Paul Wellstone, who she felt embodied the ideal civil servant. She loved to display buttons and pins that represented her values and views and was able to make convincing arguments to back up her perspectives.

She was very close, and spent a lot of time with her daughter, Lisa. Most Saturday afternoons you could find them at the 5-8 Club in South Minneapolis and they often went to movies at the Riverview, often with their good friend, Sandy Allenson. They loved playing games and discussing recent episodes of their favorite TV shows. Some of their fondest memories were from their trips together to Hawaii and Alaska.

And finally, Marlene loved her grandchildren! Marlene cared for Emily and Henry on and off when they were young, sometimes several days a week - we called it “Grandma daycare.” She made their favorite meals for birthdays and sat with them when they were sick. Grandma enthusiastically attended choir concerts, soccer games and graduation ceremonies of all types – preschool through high school. In grandma’s final days, a visit by Emily or news about Henry’s whereabouts was the surest way to cheer her up.

The family would like to acknowledge the many people who cared for Marlene the last few years of her life: Joan at Mt. Olivet Home, the amazing staff at The Pines Senior and Assisted Living, Sara and the other wonderful staff with Hospice of the Midwest. Their support and service allowed Marlene to maintain independence and a high quality of life. It also allowed us to be at peace with our mother-grandmother living at a facility. We are so very grateful for you.