Marlene Marie McDonough, loved the beach
Marlene Marie McDonough, 86, of Kennett Square, Pa., died Sept. 8, 2022. Known as Mom Mom to everyone, and Mom Mom Mom to the great-grandchildren.
She was married to Norbert “Norby” McDonough, her childhood sweetheart and best friend for 62 years. Rarely did you see one without the other. Norby died Nov. 7, 2017, and on that day, a piece of Marlene’s heart broke, and would never heal. Marlene met Norby in high school and they were together every day thereafter until his passing.
Born and raised in Kennett Square, Marlene was the daughter of Daniel P. Madonna II and Ella (Dwyer) Madonna. She grew up surrounded by a large family that enjoyed regular Sunday dinners, weeknight visits on the porch, and in the last few years, watching Jeopardy with her Uncle Claude.
A lifelong resident of Kennett Square, Marlene considered the Delaware coast to be a second home. Over the years, Marlene and Norby spent their summers at the beach. After several summers in Rehoboth Beach, Norby and Marlene found their summer oasis in Dewey Beach on New Orleans Street. Were you to walk past the house, often you would find them sitting in the front yard enjoying the sights or enjoying a happy hour at one of their favorite spots. Marlene always enjoyed a grapefruit crush after spending the day on the beach with her children, grandchildren, and a good romance novel.
During the summer she cooked dinner every night for her family. It was pretty much a guarantee that by the end of a summer of Mom’s dinners, a few pounds would find you, as each meal ended with dessert. Mom Mom was well known for her beach bag; it was seemingly bottomless and well stocked with sandwiches and snacks. Twizzlers and peanut butter crackers being the favorite.
From the time they were toddlers, her grandchildren were fortunate enough to spend their summers with Mom Mom at the beach, being spoiled and creating lasting memories each summer as they grew.
Marlene was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Parish, and one of the original Ladies of St. Patrick’s, where she made lifelong friends. She volunteered at the St. Patrick’s school when her children were growing up, and for several years she could be found doing the flowers on the altar and Sunday morning donuts after masses. She especially loved decorating the altar for Christmas and many times had her children and grandchildren to help her.
Marlene is survived by her daughter, Karen (Gary Ceman) of Rehoboth Beach, and their children Christopher McMahon (Krissy), Jack McMahon and Ally Lingo (Ken), Eileen (Tom Taylor) of Newark, and their daughters Ally and Molly, Noreen Lasorsa of Wilmington, and her son Payton; and great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Saylor and Crew Thomas. Marlene is also survived by her sisters-in law, Janice Madonna of Kennett Square, and Betty McDonough of Winter Haven, Fla.; several nieces and nephews, cousins, and many special friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, Marlene is predeceased by her younger brothers Daniel P. Madonna III and Edward J. Madonna.
The family would like to extend thanks to the wonderful ladies who took care of mom during the last two years, with special thanks and gratitude to Joyce, Vanessa and Deanna who treated mom as they would their own mother. They not only helped her with daily living needs but they also made sure her hair was done and her nails were polished. Additionally, we would like to thank the nurses of Bayada Home Care Services, Bayada Hospice of Chester County, and Dr. Maryann Ost.
You are invited to visit with Marlene’s family and friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 W. State St., Kennett Square, Pa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 15, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 212 Meredith St., Kennett Square. Interment will immediately follow at St. Patrick Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Ladies of St. Patrick’s or to Saint Patrick Church, 205 Lafayette St., Kennett Square, Pa.
To view Marlene’s online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
Arrangements by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square, Pa.
