Charlton
Mrs. Marlene Mazzetta Karustis, of Charlton, MA. died peacefully on October 13, 2022 at the age of 83.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, George Karustis, son Charlie Karustis and his wife Samantha,
Grandchildren Katherine Karustis, Landon Karustis, Mary McCall and husband Dan Kenzie, and great granddaughter
Olivia. Marlene was born in New Haven, CT in 1939, was raised by her parents Charles and Jane Mazzetta,
Attended high school in New Haven, and graduated from Albertus Magnus College in 1961. She and George
Married in New Haven, CT in 1965, and shortly thereafter, moved to Westfield, NJ to start their family. While working
As social worker and caring for her family, she attended night school and obtained her master’s degree in Sociology
From Seton Hall University. She opened her own psychotherapy practice and counseled patients for over 15 years.
She then took a position at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, NJ as a high school biology teacher and taught
There until she retired in 2003. In 2017, Marlene and George moved to The Overlook, a Masonic-sponsored continuing
Care facility in Charlton, MA where George continues to reside. The Overlook provided Marlene excellent medical care
And a comforting environment as she battled Parkinson’s Disease.
Marlene was loved by her patients, students, family, and close friends. It was clear that she made a significant impression
On her patients and students as a number made efforts to reach out to her years later. Marlene loved the outdoors and was
An avid birdwatcher whether spending time in the Brigatine National Wildlife Refuge, the Watchung Mountains or camping on
Cape Cod and Cape Ann. She loved classical music, especially the Three Tenors. She was a voracious reader and was always
Looking for new learning opportunities. At the tender age of 58, she enrolled in summer school and took continuing education
Classes at Boston College. She loved and was extremely proud of her grandchildren. We love her and will miss her dearly.
Calling hours will be Saturday, December 17,2022 from 9 to 10:30 AM at the ROBERT J MILLER – CHARLTON funeral home,
175 Old Worcester Road, Charlton, MA followed by mass at 11 at Saint Joseph Church, 10 H-Putnam Road Ext followed by
Burial in West Ridge Cemetery, Charlton, MA.