Marlene L. Colizzi
Marlene Louise (Johnson) Colizzi, 85, passed away, surrounded by her children, on February 23, 2018 in Charleston, S.C. She was born August 12,1932 in Lake Odessa to Ernest and Zora (Ward) Johnson. She attended Charlotte schools, graduating high school in 1950.
She married Sam Colizzi on June 12, 1965 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlotte. Until 1977, she and Sam resided in Charlotte with their three children, Tony, Greg and Kristina. The family relocated to Brighton; Charleston, W.V.; Richmond, Va.; and Charleston, S.C. In her early years, Marlene worked for Eaton Federal Savings Bank in Charlotte, was a troop leader for Brownies and Cub Scouts, and was the PTA President in Brighton at Hawkins Elementary. She held officer positions with Stonehenge Garden Club in Richmond and New Virginians, was an active member of the Italian American Club of Richmond, Va., and joined her husband Sam in many other clubs and activities. She enjoyed travelling, family history, and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, decorating her beautiful homes, cooking and hosting many parties. Marlene kept a home so welcoming that neighborhood kids and friends didn’t hesitate to walk right in to enjoy time with her and Sam. Her words were always filled with kindness, goodness and grace, and those who knew Marlene formed an instant and lifelong bond with her. Her radiant and beautiful eyes, smile and laughter, kind soul and generous ways always touched the hearts of others. She was considerate, hard-working, committed and dedicated to all aspects of her life, and especially cherished her grandchildren and spending time with them.
Marlene is survived by her sons, Tony Colizzi of Daniel Island, S.C.; Greg (Jeannine) Colizzi of Manakin Sabot, Va.; and daughter, Kristina (Robert) Windom of Daniel Island, S.C.; grandsons, John Colizzi, Joseph Colizzi, Max Windom, and granddaughter, Morgan Windom. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marguerite (Gordon) Johnson of Charlotte; nieces, Diane (Jerry) Baum and Toni (Steve) Wildern; brothers-in-law, and sisters-in law, Don and Elaine Colizzi of Charlotte; John and Joy Colizzi of Northville, Mich.; Dan (Anne) Stango of Fort Wayne, Ind.; nieces Nikki (Jack) Lennemann of East Lansing; Monique Colizzi of Charlotte; Neysa Colizzi of Northville, Mich.; and Angel (Richard) McCrumb of Eaton Rapids; nephew, Leonardo Stango of Fort Wayne, Ind.; as well as many other family members.
Marlene was predeceased in death by her parents; husband, Sam Colizzi in 2016; three sisters; and three brothers.
A funeral service will be held in Charlotte this summer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with interment at Maple Hill Cemetery – details forthcoming.