Marlene Adella Ivaldi Leal

Marlene Adella Ivaldi Leal was born in Alameda on April 6th, 1934.  The first of three daughters to Andy and Alice Ivaldi.  She peacefully passed away on May 5th at the Leal Ranch in the Mission Fremont hills with family at her side. She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Bernie Leal, daughters, Brenda Leal DeLuca of Corte Madera, CA , Jan Leal Hopping of Livermore CA , Son, David Andrew Leal of  Fremont CA and Daughter Allison Leal Batteate of Livermore CA.

Marlene grew up in Oakland, California graduating from Claremont high School. At Claremont she was voted  ‘best personality’ and served as Senior class President. These leadership personality traits followed her as she later became involved in other community  organizations..

She met the love of her life during many visits to her grandparents Adelina & Attilio Ivaldi in Mission San Jose. Her Uncle Gene introduced her to their neighbor & friend, Bernie Leal. They were soon married on April 26th, 1953 and Settled  in the Irvington district of Fremont while  raising their family.

During that time Marlene pursued many careers:  Dental assisting,  Manager of San Jose Dental College, many positions with Fremont Unified School District, including Career Counselor, school secretary for Junior high , High School and ROP programs.

Always involved in her community, she volunteered  and  held office in many  organizations including, President of Olive Hyde Art Guild, as well as, Vice president, Secretary , Newsletter, Membership and Hospitality roles. PEO / (Philanthropic Educational Organization) technology contact person and recording secretary. Sons of Italy recording secretary, and Alameda County Cattle Women. While enjoying her social and civic involvement  with her community she created many lifelong friendships.

As a young mother she was a Girl Scout Leader and also found time to express her creative side with hobbies such as, painting, quilting ,sewing, western dancing and wine making.  She was genuinely interested & cared about politics, the performing arts as season pass holder, song lyrics, daily singing & sports.  In fact, she wanted to come back as an umpire in black & whites stripes, running the field & making calls!

She was a role model and inspiration for not only her four children, four grand children, six great grand children, and bonus step grand children, but also those associated with her family.  Known for her graciousness and welcoming demeanor she had a great  influence on many who met her.

Marlene lived a life filled with grace, elegance, kindness and utmost character, exemplified by her  hardworking ethics.  She always provided a loving, welcoming open home, thinking of others first and had a positive spirit to the very end.

Her children remember her never saying anything negative about anybody.  When you walked into the room, she’d say ‘tell me something good”. She made others feel supported, loved, accepted, and empowered. We feel very fortunate to have been so loved, lucky, blessed, and  proud to have her as our Mother.

She will forever be in our loving memory. Memorial Services will be held Monday June 15th @ 11:00 AM at the OLD Mission San Jose Church, 43300 Mission Blvd, Fremont ,CA 94539.

Reception following 12-2pm at Reception hall.