Marlene Elizabeth (Whitaker) Godfrey
Sunrise 1944 – Sunset 2020
Marlene Elizabeth (Whitaker) Godfrey formerly of Malden, Massachusetts, passed away at the Courtyard Nursing Home in Medford on February 12, 2022, following a lengthy illness. Marlene is the beloved daughter of the late Edward Whitaker, Sr. and Milbur (Thorpe) Whitaker. Her sister Vicki Fanning also predeceases her. Marlene was raised in West Medford, Massachusetts, and is lovingly survived by her siblings Kathleen Whitaker-Farmer of Medford, Jacquelyn Whitaker of Melrose, Edward Whitaker, Jr. (Rhonda) of Medford, Pamela Whitaker-Gray (Alfred) of North Reading, Derrick Alleyne (Lisa) of New Jersey and Cecil Galloway of Stoneham. She was the former wife of Gilbert L. Godfrey. She also leaves to mourn a host of cousins, devoted aunt of two generations of nieces and nephews, dear friends Evelyn Moore and George Phillips, and former brother in-law, Karl V. Farmer, Sr.
Marlene graduated from Medford High School in 1962, and went on to further her education at Northeastern University earning a degree in Education and English and was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She continued her education at Boston College earning a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology. Marlene forged ahead earning an additional Master’s Degree in Education and a Certificate of Advanced Studies (C.A.S) (Counseling Program), Planning and Social Policy both at Harvard University. She was a Ph.D. student in the doctoral program in Education Studies at Lesley University.
During her illustrious career, Marlene served as Dean of Students at Lesley University until her retirement. She was also a Superintendent Intern for the Springfield Public Schools; Regional Center Director for the Massachusetts Department of Education –Eastern Region, Assistant Regional Center Director, for the Massachusetts Department of Education – Greater Boston Region as well as teacher early on in her career at the Newton and Boston Pubic Schools. In 1980, Marlene was selected as an Outstanding Educator, and inducted as a member in Phi Delta Kappa-Harvard University Chapter and was awarded by the Boston Citywide Parents Council for her leadership. Marlene also published several articles and reports pertaining to education. This is just a few notable academic and professional achievements during her lifetime.
Marlene loved animals and was notorious for turning some of her family’s large dogs into lap dogs, then giggle about it. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, shopping, drawing, dancing and serving as a role model and mentor. Her personal and professional life was shaped by her generosity and life-long love of learning and giving back that learning to whomever crossed her path.
Her Funeral Service will be celebrated in the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Interment will be private. For additional information, please visit, www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.
Topic: Marlene Elizabeth Godfrey Funeral Service
Time: Feb 23, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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