SOUTHPORT — Marlene Melamed, born on November 10, 1943, in Boston, MA, peacefully passed away on August 11, 2023, in Southport, NC. Marlene lived a full life, leaving behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and inspiration.
Throughout her journey, Marlene had many roles and experiences. She was a hardworking entrepreneur, owning an electrology, jewelry and nail services business, where she touched the lives of countless people through her skilled hands. She also was a store manager for well-known retail brands such as Ross, Old Navy, and Children’s Place, showcasing her exceptional leadership abilities.
Marlene believed in the power of education. She graduated from Brookline High School and Fisher Junior College. She always encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue an education as a means of achieving personal success. Marlene was an avid reader and loved doing puzzles.
Family was at the center of Marlene’s heart, and she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. She leaves behind her daughters, Lori Melamed and Tracy Melamed Baker, and husband Blake Baker; grandchildren, Brooke Keech and her husband Zack, Kate Baker, and Max Perreault. Marlene was a devoted sister to Dennis Kraez and his wife Karen, as well as a caring sister-in-law to Fred Cohen.
Marlene’s generous, warm and compassionate spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Betty Kraez, as well as her two sisters, Nancy and Marjorie.
A memorial service will be held at a later date to reunite Marlene with her sisters for all of time and also allowing allow for those who cherished Marlene’s presence to come together and celebrate the impact she had on their lives.
In lieu of flowers, Marlene’s family kindly requests donations to Julia’s Grace Foundation or WAGS (Waiting Animals Getting Support). These organizations reflect Marlene’s kind and giving nature, supporting causes that were dear to her heart.
https://www.wagswaitinganimals.org
https://www.juliasgracefoundation.org
“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”
