Marlene J. Richardson

Marlene Joyce Richardson
December 13, 1941 – January 23, 2023

Marlene J. Richardson, 81, of Madera, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on January 23, 2023. Her faith was important to her and the Women`s Bible Study at the 4th Street Church of God gave her comfort throughout her life.

She was born on December 13, 1941 at the Dearborn Hospital in Madera and delivered by Dr. Ray Dearborn, a close friend of the family. She is the beloved daughter of Farras D. and Lois Murray Richardson. She is a fifth generation Maderan, a member of a prominent pioneer family and grand-daughter of the Hon. Superior Court Judge Stanley Murray, who served in that capacity for 37 years.

Marlene attended Lincoln Grammar school and graduated from Madera High School with the class of 1959. She was a member of the Mariners Girl Scouts, she went through the stations of the Rainbow Girls, was a 4 year member of California Scholarship Federation, and a member of the Madera pep squad. Marlene had a lifelong love of music, having taken piano lessons from her aunt Dorothy Loveland Murray becoming an accomplished pianist.

She graduated from Fresno State with a bachelor’s degree in Art Education, and was in the Dean’s list. Marlene went on to teach of 25 years. She also earned her lifetime credential.

Being active as a member in the Madera Historical Society, Madera Arts Council, Friends of the Library, Madera Republican Woman`s Club, and Madera Riding Club brought many hours of joy and fellowship to Marlene over the years.

Marlene loved to travel and meet new people and lived and worked for a while in Yosemite, San Francisco, and Pebble Beach where she was employed by The Lodge. Those who knew her, knew of her special love for beautiful Carmel, where she loved for several years and taught at Carmel High School.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Farras and Lois Richardson, her sister Janice, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins of the Murray, Mudge and Richardson families.
Surviving Marlene is her sister, Shirley Ann Richardson, cousins and other family members and loving friends.

In Liu of flowers, please donate to the Fourth Street Church of God or the charity of your choice.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 1 PM at Jay Chapel.  Interment will be in  Arbor Vitae Cemetery.