Marlene was born on August 17, 1936, to Glen and Evelyn Fridley in Matson, MO. She met the love of her life, Donald Engelage, while she was a Francis Howell High School cheerleader and Don played basketball for the rival team, Augusta. Their love bloomed from there. After graduation in 1954, Marlene went on to attend Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis and earned her Registered Nursing degree.
Don and Marlene were married on August 31, 1957 and they enjoyed 56 years of marriage before his passing in 2015. They were assigned to many Air Force bases over his career including Mississippi, California, New Mexico, Maine, Nebraska and lastly retired to Texas where they enjoyed life as Texas A&M Aggies. Marlene always made a comfortable home for her family and adapted to each city with ease. Laughter was her best medicine and family was the most precious thing to Marlene as she treasured time with each member. She was a devoted wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt and daughter.
Throughout her life Marlene had several jobs outside of the home: a registered nurse, a pianist/receptionist at a church and sales person at a Hallmark Store. Perhaps her favorite job – outside of being a mom – was making and decorating ice cream cakes and being known as the lady that gave the largest scoops of ice cream at the family-owned Baskin Robbins.
Marlene was preceded in death by her husband Don, parents Glen and Evelyn Fridley, her sister Monette Fought and her brothers Don and Leon Fridley.
She is survived by sons Brian, Brent (Lena), Craig (Roseann), Dean (Heidi), daughter Jeannie (John); grandchildren Brianna, Blake (Danika), Paige (Tyler), Anna (Justin), Emma (Daniel), Adam, Sydney, Landon, Liliana, and great granddaughter Kenna. She is also missed by sisters-in-law, Jane and Sandy, along with nieces, Tammy, Glennis, Allison, Andrea, Beth, Jenifer and nephew Michael.
Visitation: Thursday, April 11, 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 Highway 59, North Kingwood, TX.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 12 at 1:00 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 22770 Highway 59, North Kingwood, TX.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5