Marlene Ethel (Bergman) Phalin passed away Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021. She was born Jan. 29, 1938, in Port Clinton, to the late Edwin and Mary (Martin) Bergman.
Marlene was a 1956 graduate of Lakeside High School and in 1964 she received her teachers’ certificate from Bowling Green State University. She taught in the Norwalk school system for eight years before moving to Toledo. She worked for the next 27 years as executive secretary for several Toledo area nursing homes. After retirement, she did consulting work in technical writing. She also served as Missions Board chair for four years at First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo and served on the Med Choice Review Committee for three years. Marlene spent her life in service to others.
Marlene loved languages and studied French, German and Spanish. She was an avid traveler having visited four of the world’s seven continents. She was also passionate about cooking and held a certificate from the New Orleans School of Cooking.
Motivated by kindness, care and curiosity for life, Marlene made instant friends wherever she went and brought love and a smile to every thing she did. Marlene had a huge spirit, an indomitable will and was fun, spunky, feisty, bubbly and a joy to be with. She was a gift to the world and will be missed so dearly.
In addition to her parents, Marlene is preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her sister Marian Hirt and brother John Bergman.
She is survived by her son, Bradley David Phalin.
Visitation is Tuesday, Dec. 14, at noon at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Danbury followed by the service at 1 p.m. Interment will follow in St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo, or to the agency of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com. Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Peninsula Chapel is handling the arrangements.
Marlene was always the fun one to be around, And I will Miss her a lot. We always had a great time, especially when out for Mexican food at our favorite restaurant listening to the mariachi band playing and when they would play Margretiville we would all yell loudly “looking for my lost shaker of salt”
She and I, with my mom, frequented A lot of yard sales on the weekends looking for all kinds of treasures, I can only imagine the 2 of them back together, And if heaven has yard sales they are out having a blast looking for that lost salt shaker.
Love ya always, miss ya forever
Marlene was such a sweet friend. We enjoyed a few water pistol battles and some fun card games. Her sense of fun and adventure was contagious and her love of life was more than apparent. It was a joy to count her as a friend. She will be so missed.
Today I am very sad. I have been in search of my beloved 3rd grade elementary teacher who had a tremendous impact on my youth. After completing her 3rd grade class at Maplehurst Elementary my father passed away. This was mid-June 1970. Miss Bergman came to Norwalk to attend my Father’s calling hours. I’ve never forgotten her love and kindness. Miss Bergman was also the first person to introduce me to arrowheads and how to hunt for them. Sadly, at nearly 62 I still haven’t found my first one! Last fall I had the pleasure of locating my 4th grade teacher Mrs. Stein. I have been in search of Miss Bergman for over a year now. I’m so sorry that I was too late to convey my love and gratitude to her. To her son and family, she was an amazing human being and there wasn’t a year that went by without me fondly remembering her. I’m very sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace, Miss Bergman.