Marlene L. Gilley, 84, formerly of Macungie, passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2020.  Her husband of 55 years, Joseph F. Gilley, III, died in 2016.

Born in Toronto, Canada, she was a daughter of the late Gustave and Alma (Engel) Kerath.

From early days of family singing around the piano, her children and grandchildren were deeply influenced by her love of music, especially jazz.  From music performance major, to theater major, echoing down to grandchildren who perform, write music and majored in theater, the love of arts was deeply imprinted on her family.

However, that influence moved beyond the home into the community, beginning with a little start-up community music festival called Musikfest, where she initially volunteered, and quickly became the second employee hired by the festival, which has grown to be one of the largest in the country.  Volunteer positions with the 250th Anniversary of Bethlehem and the Rose Garden Children's Festival continued her love of service to the community, with her husband, Joe, constantly at her side.  Her love of jazz and the American Songbook, combined with the urging of her family, ultimately led her to launching a singing career at the age of 65.  With son Jonathan as encourager, coach and bass player, Mike Ciliberti providing constant and enduring support as her pianist and her husband, Joe, as devoted roadie and biggest fan, she launched the Marlene Gilley Swingtet.  This, along with her love for her grandchildren, filled her later years.

Marlene had a huge heart for people and a boundless capacity for giving love.  She will be remembered as the person you would call when you needed anything.  She would never rest until the job was done perfectly.  Marlene was a fun, creative, generous life force that has made an impact on this world with her amazing energy and tenacity.

Surviving are sons, Jeffrey (Gayla) of Macungie, Jonathan (Laurann) of Glenview, IL and Joel of Allentown and Molly of Hellertown; a daughter, Jennifer Fleschner (Bill) of Port St. Lucie, FL; a sister, Trudy Salven of Valencia, CA; and eight grandchildren, Meghan, Christina, Jasper, Jaden, Micah and Liam Gilley and Lance and Harley Fleschner.

Due to pandemic restrictions a Celebration of Life service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Dementia Society of America.

Online condolences may be sent to www.pearsonfh.com.