Marlene Phyliss Ferder (née Schwartz), beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, aunt and grandmother, a native of Philadelphia, was born on January 11,1931 and passed away peacefully on January 18, 2024

A proud graduate of Olney (Girls) High School, Marlene's zest for travel and the allure of warmer climates drew her to Miami. There, she became the personal assistant to the owner of the prestigious Savoy Hotel.

Upon returning to Philadelphia in 1953, Marlene took a short-term job at the Strick Trailer Company. It was there she met Milton Ferder, a handsome young mechanical engineer.

Their connection was instant and enduring, leading to their marriage in 1954. Together, they settled in Northeast Philadelphia and became the proud parents of three children.

Marlene's passion for work and community engagement never waned. Once her children reached school age, she excelled in the civil service examination for the Philadelphia School system, earning the top score.

She devoted many years as an Executive Secretary, taking an early retirement to explore new adventures.

Her artistic spirit shone brightly on stage as an amateur actress with the Abbey Players at the Abbey Playhouse in Lawndale, where she delighted audiences in productions like "UTBU" (Unhappy To Be Unpleasant). Marlene also channeled her creativity into writing short stories and painting.

She spent many years as an active member of Shaare Shamayim Synagogue sisterhood in Northeast Philadelphia.

The untimely passing of her husband in 1979 spurred Marlene to embark on a global journey that mirrored her expansive imagination. In 1981, when such tours were rare, she ventured solo to China. For many years she liked to tell of her adventures, including being one of the first westerners to see the Terra Cotta Soldiers of Xian.

Her odyssey spanned from Beijing to Shanghai, traversing the historic expanse of the Yangtze River. This expedition was the first of many, as she later explored the breadth of the Caribbean, Central America and Europe.

Embracing a new chapter in 1999, Marlene bid farewell to Philadelphia and settled in Delray Beach, Florida, where her vivacious spirit became legendary. She was invariably the soul of any gathering, infusing events with her singing, dancing, and an infectious laughter that lingered long after the music stopped.

Marlene's humor was as quick as her wit, often sharing her mantra – a playful quip borrowed from her former boss Miss Kurtz – "I'm doing everybody before they do me!"

Her beauty, grace, and flair were undeniable, touching the lives of all who knew her.

Marlene's legacy lives on through her children, Suzanne, Joyce, and Bruce,

daughter-in-law Joan and son-in-law Todd, her adored grandchildren, Melanie, Michael, Joel, and Brandon. She also leaves behind her sisters Carolyn and Thelma, brother-in-law Sidney as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss her dearly.

A celebration of Marlene's extraordinary life will be announced at a later date. Her light and laughter will forever resonate in the hearts of those she has left behind.

If you wish, donations in her memory can be made to either Planned Parenthood of South Florida https://www.weareplannedparenthood.org/onlineactions/tRw9-mnhSkmgWQ8l-tjaJA2?sourceid=1007098&_gl=1*1ivev2e*_ga*NzA0NDczMjA1LjE3MDU1MjI3OTY.*_gid*MTQwNjc5ODE5NS4xNzA1NTIyNzk2

or

The Philadelphia Education Fund https://philaedfund.org/give/donate/stars/