Obituary: Marlene Joyce Alves (Baratta), Feb. 21, 1937-March 27, 2024
For The Madera Tribune
Marlene Joyce Alves (Baratta).
“87 springs after she borrowed her stardust from the universe, it was time for it to be returned.”
“She has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;
Who has enjoyed the trust of good women, the respect of good men,
and the love of little children;
Who has filled her niche and accomplished her task;
Who has never lacked appreciation of life’s beauty or failed to express it;
Who has left the world better than she found it,
Whether an improved community need, a shared laugh, or a rescued soul;
Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best she had;
Whose life was an inspiration; Whose memory a benediction.”
Marlene Joyce Alves (Baratta), age 87, entered the world into a close Italian community on Feb. 21, 1937, in Madera, CA, to parents Guido and Gilda Baratta. She later embraced a move to Santa Rosa with her then husband, George Alves, and two young children. After raising two wonderful young men, her academic journey took a significant turn at Sonoma State University with a mid-life graduation, as she continued her lifelong dedication to community matters and helping those in need. She worked for many years at the Petaluma People’s Services as an employment counsellor.
Marlene’s illness concluded peacefully, on March 27, as she firmly supported California’s End of Life Options. She leaves behind two sons, Michael (Barbara) Alves and Marc (Tina) Alves, her sister, Jo Ann (Frank) Weingart, grandchildren Rachel Alves, Elleanna Gilmore and Ted Barton, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and just as dear to her as her family, her beloved friends, who will all miss her dearly.
At the request of Marlene, there will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, please remember her in your next act of kindness or consider a donation in her memory to Sutter Hospice of Santa Rosa, 110 Stony Point Road #200C, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, or The California Innocence Project at 225 Cedar St., San Diego, CA 92101.
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