Marlene (Whittemore) Jarvenpaa

SOUTH ROYALSTON- Marlene (Whittemore) Jarvenpaa, 64, of River Road, died early Thursday morning, February 23, 2023 at home surrounded by loved ones, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Athol on March 12, 1958, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Kathleen (Desreuisseau) Whittemore and grew up in Athol, graduating from Athol High School in 1976.

On July 17, 1976, Marlene married Donald Jarvenpaa Jr. and they have enjoyed over 46 years together.

Marlene was employed by Market Basket in Customer Service before her illness. She had also worked previously at the Royalston Country Store, Pete & Henry’s, The Baldwinville Station, Village Family Restaurant and Baldwin Hill Bakery.

Marlene was active with the Royalston 250th Anniversary celebration, as well as joining her son for the Events Committee in Royalston to raise funds for the 275th anniversary. She was also a member of the North Quabbin Stop The Pipeline Group, and the Royalston South Village Revitalization Group Steering Committee, which honored her with the dedication of the gazebo in the village.

Marlene was well known for crocheting many blankets to give to others. She also enjoyed gardening, including her fairy garden, canning and was a huge New England Patriots fan.

Marlene leaves her loving husband, Donald Jarvenpaa Jr. of South Royalston; her children, Carla Hartwell of South Portland, ME, Matthew Jarvenpaa and his girlfriend Jennifer, of Winchendon, Amber Doherty and her husband, John, of Tyngsboro, and Gabriel Jarvenpaa and his fiancée, Autumn, of Royalston; grandchildren, Kayla Lusco of Berwick, ME, Tiffany Lusco of South Portland, ME, Logan Doherty and Owen Doherty, both of Tyngsboro; a great granddaughter, Lucy Richards of Berwick, ME.  Marlene also leaves behind her siblings, Lisa Arnot and her husband, Ben, of Athol, Edwina Whittemore of Mesa, AZ and Kenneth Whittemore of New Bedford; several nephews and nieces; and extended family.

Marlene was predeceased by a son, Donald Jarvenpaa III in 1978, her father in 2015, her mother in 2016, and a sister, Doris Ricko, in 2015.

The family would like to thank the UMass Memorial Healthcare Cancer Center, Dr. Donnally, Wendy Coutu and her entire team at Heywood Hospital, Care Central VNA & Hospice of Gardner and Jeff Cole and the staff of Witty’s Funeral Home.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 5, 2023 from 1-3 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. in the funeral home.

Interment in Lawrence Brook Cemetery, Royalston, will be held privately in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either the Royalston South Village Revitalization Committee, c/o Rose Lawrence, 9 Dickey Road, Royalston, MA 01368, or to the Friends of The Phinehas S. Newton Library, P.O. Box 133, Royalston, MA 01368.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions available online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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