Marlene L. Simons, formerly of Bethlehem and Wind Gap, passed away Monday, March 8, 2021, in Saucon Valley Manor, the day before her 85th birthday.    She and her husband of 57 years, Merrill C. Simons, were married November 2, 1963.

Born in Fountain Hill, she was the daughter of the late Earl R. and Lillian (Stralo) Fry.

Marlene was employed by Harry Margolis & Co., CPA's from 1954 - 1964, and by the Bethlehem Area School District in food services from 1980 - 2001.

A 1954 graduate of Liberty High School, Marlene played clarinet in the high school band, orchestra and sextet.  She later played in the Bethlehem Municipal Band.

Marlene was a member of Christ Hamilton United Lutheran Church, Hamilton Township, and a former member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, where she taught Sunday school and sang in various choirs.

Surviving with her husband Merrill are two sons, Charles, and wife Suzanne of Port Matilda, PA and Robert, and wife Lori of Center Valley; grandsons, Daniel and Connor; and a step-granddaughter, Alise Downey.

Services will be Saturday, March 13, at 11:00 a.m. in the Pearson Funeral Home, 1901 Linden Street, Bethlehem, followed by interment in Bethlehem Memorial Park.  Friends and family may call from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Christ Hamilton United Lutheran Church, 419 Bossardville Road, Stroudsburg, PA 18360..

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