GUILDERLAND –

Marlene Helen Jefferson, 73, of Guilderland, New York passed peacefully on March 17, 2026, at the St. Peter’s Hospice Respite Inn.

Marlene was born on April 29, 1952 in New Rochelle, New York. Her life was marked by kindness to others, unshakable faith, strong work ethic and vibrant outlook on life. Marlene will be remembered for her joyous laughs, beautiful smile, magnetic personality, classy professional work outfits, no nonsense business skills …and hard-earned, always dreamed-for Ford Mustangs, of course with stick shift!

Although she had no biological children of her own, Marlene was lovingly known as, “Mom” to many. She devoted herself to assisting in the raising of her niece (Latrice) and nephew (Clifton) and in later years provided strong guidance to a fellow employee’s teenage daughter, Karli, and her friend, Jack’s, growing son, Andrew.

Marlene’s youth was highlighted by her love of music and sports, especially football. She truly had soul; music was in her bones and she loved to dance. As a teen she and some friends formed a singing group, “The Casuals” that were so talented they were invited to perform on the nationally acclaimed TV talent show, “The Ted Mack Amateur Hour”. Her home in Guilderland was often filled with the sounds of Motown and Gospel. For years Marlene dedicated herself to coaching youth football teams.

Immediately following her graduation from high school Marlene commenced work as a switch board operator for the New York Telephone Company. Over the following forty two years, through hard work and determination she rose through the ranks, ultimately retiring as a regional manager, overseeing several hundred employees in multiple offices around New England. Throughout her evolving career with the telephone company Marlene encountered many challenges; she was a young African American woman - working in a white, male-dominated world.

Recognizing her talents and potential, in the mid-1990’s Verizon transferred Marlene to the Albany area to manage a busy call-center. She attacked the challenges, grew and succeeded.

Marlene never had time to pursue her formal education until later in life. That always bothered her - she needed to know she could climb that mountain, too. Therefore, with her typical grit, while still working full-time, Marlene earned an Associate’s Degree, a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree. She was so very proud !

When not working, Marlene was an avid sports fan, especially following the Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees. And she fulfilled a life-long dream of adopting dogs, eventually owning four miniature poodles. Then, to fulfill her pack, her friend Jack’s dog, Oliver, abandoned Jack and moved in with Marlene!

As she adjusted to home ownership in Guilderland Marlene embraced the challenges of yard work and landscaping. She loved working in the dirt and getting her hands dirty - usually while singing.

Consistent with her life of service to others, as Marlene’s roots grew in Guilderland she stepped forward to volunteer for her local townhouse community, Country Village Townhouse Association where she served tirelessly as Board Member and Treasurer for many years. She also became an active parishioner of St. Boniface Episcopal Church, again volunteering as Secretary and Treasurer and singing in the choir. Marlene truly loved her years at St. Boniface. Her devotion and vibrant personality are sorely missed.

Sadly, in recent years Marlene’s spirit gradually faded. On Halloween Day, 2023, she was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Marlene fought hard to keep it at bay and even attempted to participate in clinical pharmaceutical trials, but to no avail. This devilish thief relentlessly robbed Marlene of her essence. In February, 2024 Marlene was admitted for care at Colonie Peregrine Senior Living where she received loving attention until her recent admission to the Hospice Respite Inn, St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany, NY.. The angelic staff in Hospice provided Marlene with the loving, tender, dignified care she deserved; she peacefully passed from this world on March 17, 2026, with loved ones at her side.

A Jewish Kaddish affirming God’s love was given then, and repeated now, “There, rest. No more suffering for you. I know where you have gone; it is good.”

Marlene is survived by her partner, John A (“Jack”) Fairbank; her brother, Clifton Jefferson; and her sister, Bettyann Jefferson (Vinny); her niece, Latrice Jefferson-Phillip (John, “Dudley”); her nephew, Clifton Jefferson (Claudine) and nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to mention. She was predeceased by her brothers, Samuel and Ricardo Jefferson as well as her parents, Samuel Seth Jefferson and Helen M. Kellis-Jefferson.

As Marlene faded, Latrice moved from her home in New Rochelle, NY to live with her beloved, “Auntie”. Latrice tirelessly guided Marlene initially through the difficult moments of memory loss and confusion then through the unimaginably horrific moments of “sun downing”, eventually requiring admission for memory care. Latrice then unceasingly visited Marlene at Peregrine Memory Care, often sleeping by her side and even providing personal care for many months. Sometimes life opens the windows for angels; Latrice came in.

Of course, none of us is an island: Latrice’s teenage daughter, Kailyn, moved to Guilderland with her mother, started at a new school and has been critical in Marlene’s journey. Early on in the process, Kailyn was the only person that could amazingly calm Marlene and Kailyn frequently held down the fort making Latrice’s duties feasible. And Latrice’s husband, John, their first daughter, Laura, and their son, John, have made innumerable sacrifices in Marlene’s long battle.

Marlene and her partner, Jack, were an effective, loving couple who created much joy and positivity through their volunteer efforts, participation in church activities, family gatherings, travel and many DIY projects. If anything positive can be forged from the ravages of dementia, it is the very strong bond between Latrice and Jack and their families.

Marlene will be remembered for her generous heart, her love of family and friends and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and joy. Her legacy of compassion and community will live on in the many people who proudly call her “Mom” and friend.

A Celebration of Marlene’s Life will be held on April 18, 2026 at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5148 Western Turnpike, Altamont (Guilderland), NY at 11:00 am.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to: The Community of Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com