Marlene M. Ostrowski died at home Monday October 16, 2017 under the care of her family after her incredible effort and hope to live with cancer. She was born Saturday August 17, 1935 to Theresa (Strykowski) and Jacob Jack Shuda in Stevens Point and remained a lifelong resident.

Marlene graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School and worked as a switchboard operator and supervisor at Bell Telephone company.

Marlene married Henry Ostrowski May 21, 1960 and they had three children, Terri, Tom, and Sandy. She played accordion, knit, canned berries and mushrooms Henry brought home, and in later years enjoyed gardening, flowers especially begonias, feeding birds, praying the rosary and watching Mother Angelica on TV.

Evident throughout her life, Marlene cherished time with family, extended family and friends. The Strykowski farm, music in the Town of Hull, weeknight visits, hosting family gatherings, Jordan park picnics, family vacations at the Hoffman’s, card games of 31 with elderly aunts and her unwavering devotion to her grandkids filled her life. She shared her love for homemade food and her dumplings were a family favorite. The oven was always busy as she baked breads, cinnamon rolls, chocolate cake, angel food pie and sweets especially the multiple batches of countless varieties of Christmas cookies. She was known to have dessert first, before her meal.

The grandkids were blessed with endless hours of card games and sleepovers having no set bedtime with the must have popcorn and root beer float late night snack. Granma knew and had each of the grandkids favorite treats in the cupboard. She welcomed the grandkids friends and was Granma to them too. She spoiled us with her love and time, teaching us that memories made through love by caring about others and family gatherings are what’s important in life.

Marlene’s passion was helping others and she welcomed and took care of others in her home along with giving emotional support as they recovered from surgeries and illnesses, including Sandy’s furry animals, or hosting folks just visiting for extended periods of time. In recent times, she reminisced how in today’s fast-paced world she missed the gatherings of family and friends.

Marlene is survived by Terri and David and their children Jacob and Jenessa, Sandy and Jeff and their furry gang, and Tom’s (dec) daughters Erin (fiance W) and Carmen. Also Henry’s sisters Lucille and Florie. She stayed in contact with many, leaving behind nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Marlene is welcomed to heaven by parents Jack (1977) and Theresa (1990), Anton (1963) and Balbina (1965), husband Henry (1997), son Tom (2011). Also sisters Mona (2014), Grace (2012), Dorothy (2008), brother DeLoyd (1998) and their spouses Joe, Connie, Bill and Ruth.

There will be a graveside rosary and service led by Fr. Al Burkhardt Friday October 20th,1:00pm at Guardian Angel Cemetery. Just as Mom treasured, a gathering to share food and stories will follow at her home until 7pm. You’re invited to wear pastel colors (mint and peach are her favorites!) to her service and gathering. In lieu of flowers please bring a memory of your relationship with Marlene to share with her family. All are invited to view shudafuneral.com and sign the online guestbook. We love and miss you…later.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, will forget what you did, but never forget how you made them feel.