Marlene Fay Koskela, 81, of Traverse City, Michigan passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Munson Hospice House. Marlene was born on July 4, 1943 in Highland Park, Michigan. She grew up in Wayne and was a 1961 graduate of Monroe High School.

Marlene's working career was in the health care field. She was a Registered Nurse at Riverside Hospital in Toledo, OH and, after earning her Master of Science in Administration degree, held administrative positions there. Upon retirement she moved to Traverse City and volunteered at Munson Medical Center, the State Theater and was a past-president of her condo association. She was also a Hypnotist Practitioner.

Marlene had a passion for music and singing and was a member of a holiday choir that performed in Toledo and surrounding area. She pursued her interest in tracing her Finnish ancestral roots, of which she was proud. She enjoyed her Schnauzer dogs over the years. She possessed an adventurous traveling spirit that took her to many destinations in the United States, Europe, China, Australia, New Zealand and most notably Finland. Her greatest joy was spending time with family and friends and was a member of her neighborhood ladies' social group, book club and Mah Jongg gang.

Marlene is survived by her son, Michael Cevallos of Tempe, AZ; sister, Delores Shiels of Traverse City, MI; step-sister, Carla Jacob of Erie, MI; step-brother, James (Mary Kay) Pauli of Monroe, MI. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Miriam and Carl Pauli, and nephew, Richard J. Shiels.

In accordance with Marlene's wishes, cremation has taken place.

Those who wish may consider a memorial donation to the Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Rd., Traverse City, MI 49696 or the American Cancer Society, 129 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Marlene's family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .