Marlene A. Powall

MARLENE A. POWALL (nee Palermo), age 88; beloved wife for 56 years of the late Michael "Sonny"; loving mother of Vince (Maryfran), twins Nick (Debbie) and Rick (Diane), Michael (Connie), Lisa Rosson (Gino), Denise Bortnick (Steve), and Dominic; devoted grandmother of Chase Powall, Chelsea (Matt) Goryance, Sydney, Ryan, and Mitchell Pascarella, Mariah and Julia (fiancé Joe) Powall, Justin and Angelo (Laura) Powall, Jacob (Danielle) Powall, Danielle (John) Spiccia and Hannah (fiancé Kevin) Powall, Angelina (Matthew) Finkler, Gino (fiancé Cayla) Rosson, Francesca and Ariana Rosson, Mia (Jordan) Fisher and Sophia and Marco Sonny Bortnick; adored great-grandmother of Noah, Olivia, Luca, Anthony, Knox, and two more on the way in April and May; cherished daughter of the late Nicholas D. and Marie (nee Gamier) Palermo; dearest sister of Diane (Tom) Sturniolo and the late James (Rose, dec.) Palermo; dear cousin, sister-in-law, aunt, and great-aunt of many. 

Marlene was born on November 17, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio to Nick and Marie Palermo. A lifelong resident of Wickliffe, Marlene graduated from Wickliffe High School in the class of 1954 after which she married the love of her life, Sonny, in 1957. Together, they raised seven deeply loved children, growing their family from two to nine. Marlene was a co-owner of several successful Wickliffe businesses with her husband, including Sonny's Place, Sonny's Other Place, and Sonny's Side of the Street. After raising her children, she entered the workforce to become a Realtor with Realty One and Howard Hanna from 1989-2011, where she earned several awards, including Rookie of the Year and Office Top Producer. Outside of her career, Marlene was an active member of multiple clubs and organizations, including the Wickliffe Italian American Auxiliary Club, Red Hats Society, and the Willoughby Senior Center. She was also an honorary lifetime member of The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society. 

Marlene embraced both her Italian heritage and Catholic faith with all her heart. Some of her favorite things included preparing the Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes, cooking Sunday family pasta dinners, and passing down many other Italian family traditions. Family brought her the most joy in life, most especially time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The annual family Cedar Point trips that she planned for over 30 years were a highlight for everyone. She also loved spending time with her dear cousins and friends playing cards and visiting at their monthly luncheons. Marlene entered heaven on March 16, 2025, surrounded by her family, leaving behind a legacy as the matriarch of a large faith filled family that will miss her greatly. 

Mass of Christian Burial, concelebrated by Rev. Dave Woost and Most Rev. Abbot Gary Hoover, O.S.B. will be Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 29850 Euclid Ave, Wickliffe. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Marlene at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) FRIDAY from 12-3 and 5-8 PM.