Marlene Rose Toczydlowski

Marlene Rose Toczydlowski, 81, of Scott Township, passed away on Saturday at Elan Skilled Nursing & Rehab in Scranton. She is survived by her loving husband of sixty years, Joseph. They were married on October 17, 1964.

Born in Peckville, Marlene was a lifelong resident of Scott Township. She was the daughter of the late Harry and Olga Fedorchak Pish and a graduate of Scott High School.

Marlene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and “adopted” grandmother. She will be remembered for her zest for life! Whether visiting family and friends or out for an evening, she could be found dancing to any music she heard. She loved family vacations, going to the beach, and camping. Marlene enjoyed music, dancing, and cheering at her grandchildren’s sporting events. She was the “life of the party” and usually the last to leave.

She is also survived by her six children and their spouses: Brenda and Michael Goodrich, Joseph Jr. and Lori, Tricia and Ken Gelderman, Tammy and Robert “Bubba” Carter, Amy and Brian Wildt, and Jason and his significant other, Emma Cook.

Although she loved her children deeply, her grandchildren were the light of her life. She leaves behind 18 cherished grandchildren: Matthew (Shelby), Zachary (Rachael), and Justin (Tori) Goodrich; Joey, Luci, and Ben Toczydlowski; Andrew and Ava Gelderman; Maggie (Connor), Maura, and Molly Carter; Caroline, Harrison, Juliet, and Bridget Wildt; and Oskar, August, and Journey June Toczydlowski. Though dementia kept her from meeting her, she would have adored her first great-granddaughter, Lainey May Goodrich.

She was also a beloved aunt to several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, and she adored her beloved dog, Rosie.

Marlene was preceded in death by an infant son, Michael, and two sisters, Mildred Polacek and Jean Ann Howarth.

She was known as an amazing cook and entertainer. One of her greatest gifts was the way she made others feel in her home. Her kitchen was the heart of the home, always filled with the aroma of something baking or a soup or sauce simmering on the stove. Friends and family knew they could always count on fresh clam chowder and especially late-night snacks! She welcomed everyone with open arms and a full table. The love and energy she put into her home nourished not only the body but the spirit. Through her generosity of food and warmth, she created a space of comfort, laughter, and belonging that will never be forgotten. She would often pull up a chair to chat with her children and their friends, even late into the night.

The Toczydlowski family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Life Geisinger, who helped give Marlene and Joe a better quality of life for more than two years. They also wish to thank Dr. James McKenna for the special care he provided. Deep gratitude goes to the staff at Elan Skilled Nursing Facility’s Memory Care wing for their compassion and care in her final days—it will not be forgotten.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 10 AM at St. John Vianney Parish, 704 Montdale Road, Scott Township, with Rev. August A. Ricciardi, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 296 Commerce Drive, Montdale.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 to 7 PM at the Hudak-O’Shea Funeral Home, 115 Garfield Avenue, Olyphant. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the church on the morning of the funeral.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Vianney, Corpus Christi Parish, 704 Montdale Road, Scott Township, PA 18447.

For directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.hudak-osheafuneralhome.com.