Marlene (Katz) Kanefield, age 80, passed away in Gaithersburg, Maryland on May 21, 2021. Beloved wife of Donald (Ted) Kanefield; loving mother to Bryan, Jody, and Angie; incredible grandmother to Nathaniel, Eliana, Maxwell, Molly, Tess, Zach, Isabelle and Emily; and caring mother-in-law to Adina, Lee, and John.

Marlene was born in St. Louis on May 24, 1940, the daughter of Henry and Anna (Brodsky) Katz. She was the youngest of four siblings–Adele, Eugene (Sonny), and Irvin Katz, who predeceased her. She was the adored sister-in-law of Marsha and Lawrence Rothman and Louise Katz, beloved cousin, favorite aunt to numerous nieces and nephews, and devoted friend to many.

Marlene attended University City High School. By chance, while out for late night coffee with a group of friends following an AZA dance on the Admiral Riverboat, she and Ted were introduced. They started dating, soon started going “steady”, and decided to get married in June, 1959. It turned out to be a marriage for the ages and they enjoyed a nearly 62 year love story.

Life in St. Louis revolved around family, which was the most important and energizing part of life for Marlene. In addition to raising her three children, she constantly gathered with close cousins 3 to 4 times a week to play bridge. Monthly Cousins Clubs and holiday picnics on both sides of their family kept them closely connected with her extended family throughout the years.

She was a beloved baker and one-woman dessert catering company for every family occasion, as well as for the fortunate customers of the family run Ize’s Bagelry in Rockville, Maryland where she, Ted, Angie, and her family worked once she moved to the Washington, DC metro area. She was an avid bridge player and bowler through the years and loved to travel and take cruises with Ted and friends. She will be missed dearly by all who loved her.

A private memorial service was held in Washington, DC. Donations in her honor can be made to the American Heart Association at 300 5th Avenue, Suite 6; Waltham, MA 02451.