Marlene Jo Tunkel

Marlene Jo Tunkel 84 from Philadelphia, PA passed away peacefully in her home with her son and daughter-in-law Nina.

Marlene is survived by her loving children. Eric Brett Tunkel and his wife Nina. Daughter Stacy Tunkel Ward and her husband Michael Ward. She is also survived by her two grandchildren Isabella Ward and Michael Ward Jr.

Marlene lived her life with courage, dignity and grace. She was full of life and lit up a room making everyone laugh.

She was given the nickname Wonder Woman from her son Eric and her daughter-in-law Nina as she was born with cerebral palsy. She had multiple surgeries and would never let anyone help her. She would say “I can do it”. We are so proud of her.

Marlene also worked for the government and made it to 42 years about a month ago. She loved everyone she worked with and could not wait to get there to see everyone who she called her adopted family and loved everyone very much. She loved her job.

She really loved her supervisor Gary, who she would say to us how extremely kind, caring and she really adored him.

Marlene really enjoyed spending time with Judy. Judy was her rock and was always there for her. Although we may no longer physically see Marlene (Mom) we believe she left an indelible mark on all of us lucky enough to have known her.

She would want us to remember her with a smile rather than with tears. She would find comfort in knowing she is free from pain and passed in her home with her son and daughter-in-law. Furthermore, she loved seeing all her friends come and sit with her on her final days.  Her neighbor Jack and Janet were her neighbors for 40 plus years and she loved them very much.

Marlene had a gregarious and vivacious personality. She was full of energy and will live on with in us and we will for-ever be grateful for her presence in our lives.

She will be deeply missed and will be going to be with the love of her life “Norman Tunkel” her husband.  She will always be in our hearts.

She was full of life and loved being out at functions, played mahjong with her friends three nights a week. Marlene loved being with her family and friends. She did not miss any functions unless she was working.

 She will forever be in our hearts and deeply miss! We love you!

Family and friends are invited to Graveside Services on Thursday, August 10, 12:00 noon precisely at Roosevelt Memorial Park (Sec. F), 2701 Old Lincoln Highway, Trevose PA 19053. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her name to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation of your choice.