MARLENE BROWN
07/26/1935 – 09/07/2025

 Marlene Ann Brown, 90, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, in Cook, Minnesota. Born on July 26, 1935, in Cook, she remained deeply connected to her hometown and family throughout her life.
 Marlene graduated from Alango School in Alango, Minnesota, with the Class of 1953. She later pursued further education at Duluth Business University, where she earned a secretarial diploma that laid the foundation for a long and successful career.
 Her professional journey took her far from home, including over 18 years at General Electric in Burlington, Vermont. There, she served as a secretary and later advanced to the role of Assistant Buyer in the Armament and Technical Division. Marlene also brought her skills and dedication to New College in Sarasota, Florida, contributing meaningfully to each workplace she joined.
 Marlene was known not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her many talents and passions. A gifted cook and baker, she delighted those around her with homemade meals and treats. Her creativity extended into sewing – she lovingly made clothes and costumes for her children and clothing for herself – and into knitting and crocheting many gifts for others. Her flower gardens were a source of beauty and pride, and she had a special touch when it came to crafts and decorating. Marlene also enjoyed playing the accordion; one cherished memory was sitting alongside her daughter Mary as they played music together – Mary on the clarinet and Marlene on the accordion – filling their home with music and learning experiences.
 Marlene also had a big heart for dachshunds. Over many years there were four “weiner” dogs, the most memorable was “Diablo”. He became part of the family in 1981, a true buddy for 15 years. He was a treasured soul, and endured many moves to new locations, both with Marlene and Mary. She also loved her feline family members, and “Miss Millie” was a faithful friend for more than 18 years.
 She is lovingly remembered by her son Mark Wilson; daughter Mary Parent and her husband Joseph; brothers Ron Brown (Geri), Edward Brown, and Steve Brown; sister Barb Ford (William); as well as several nieces and nephews.
 Marlene was preceded in death by her father Carl Arthur Brown; mother Sylvia Violet Ojanen Brown; daughter Diana Wilson; and sister Irene Brown.
 Marlene’s warmth, creativity, and enduring spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory and sharing of her gifts bring comfort to the many lives she touched. A Visitation will be held on September 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St Mary’s Catholic Church 124 5th St. SE. in Cook, and Funeral Service will be held at 11:00AM the same day and location. Please feel free to wear bright & happy colors to help celebrate Marlene’s life! In lieu of flowers, Mary and Mark ask you to consider making a donation to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, a camp for children ages 7-17 who have or have had cancer. Starting as a one-week camp experience for these kids has grown into year-long support programs over the last 40 years for siblings, weekends for moms and dads, winter weekends, and playgroups for children who are not yet old enough to participate in the summer camp week. As a young leukemia survivor, Mary is an avid and ongoing supporter for the camp. Marlene supported Mary and ‘Camp TKT’ in many ways since its first year in 1985. Donations can be sent to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta at PO Box 459, South Hero, VT 05486 or you can donate online as well as learn more about Camp’s wonderful events and programs at www.takumta.org. Online condolences to www.mlakerfuneralhome.com.