Marlene K. Clayson

Rochester - Passed away on October 17, 2018 at the age of 74.

Predeceased by her mother, Marjorie.

She is survived by her loving wife, Gail Mastrella; sister, Marcy (Carl) Inzinca; mother in law, Rose Mastrella; her brother & sister in law, Gary & Linda Mastrella; her sister in law, Sandy Mastrella; her nephews, Phil (Amanda)Mastrella, Nick (Angela) Mastrella, & Tony Carr; her great nephew, Miles Mastrella; her great nieces, Irie & Acadia Mastrella; her Dignity Integrity (DI) family & many friends.

Family will receive friends 4 - 7 PM Friday, October 26, 2018 at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 2636 Ridgeway Ave. Her Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, October 27, 2018 at St. Luke & St. Simon Cyrene Episcopal Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh Street.

Contributions may be made to: The Kidney Foundation.



Marlene graduated from Gates Chili High School in 1962 and received a degree in Social Work in 1964. For most of her career, Marlene worked as a secretary for Geisler Realty and then Nothnagle Realtors. She was a Smoking Cessation Counselor for the American Lung Association for many years, and helped many people quit smoking.

She is most remembered for her kind and welcoming qualities. At our favorite restaurant, she would be walking to our table and, along the way, would always ask perfect strangers if they were enjoying their meal, and then tell them to have a good day.

At our church – Dignity-Integrity Rochester – the service would not begin until Marlene was done greeting every person who walked through the doors. And the service would not continue until Marlene gave every person there a hug at the Sign of Peace.

It was a commonly accepted practice for Marlene to speak out a word of approval or a drily funny comment in the middle of a quiet setting.

She was innocent, humble, sweet, gentle, and full of grace. Marlene unconditionally accepted people just as they were; she never complained; she was never negative, and she never judged other people.

She was a good friend who listened and gave honest advice. You could trust Marlene with your most personal information and private feelings.

Marlene had many friends and everyone loved her. She will be greatly missed, and her passing will leave a void in many hearts.



Marlene's "Famous Last Words:"
After 9 days of no longer eating or drinking, these conversations happened….

Marlene: "I need water."
I gave her 5-6 spoonfuls of water.
Marlene: "Can I have some ice cream?"
Gail: "Ok. We don't have any…. I'll have to go get some."
Marlene: "No… never mind."
Gail: "I'll go. It's right at the corner. I'll be five minutes."
Marlene: "No, it's okay."
Gail: "Ok, how about some yogurt with vanilla pudding?"
Marlene: "Okay."
She had two ¼ teaspoonfuls.

Marlene: "WOULD YOU PLEASE!?!"
"DO I HAVE TO GET ON MY KNEES?!?"
Gail, startled and chuckling: "Would I please WHAT?"
Marlene: "WATER! TWO GLASSES! LARGE!"
Gail, still chuckling: "Okay!"
Marlene couldn't put her lips around the spoon, and kept biting it. Had to wait for a 'more-awake' time, but we tried!

Marlene: "Can I please have some water?"
Gail: "Sure."
She had 5 -6 spoonfuls.
Marlene: "Can you make me a sandwich?"
Gail: "A sandwich? Okay. How about a peanut butter sandwich?"
Marlene: "Okay."
I made her a half sandwich.
Gail: "Okay now, I'll put this on your tongue and now you have to chew."
She opened her mouth and I gave her a small piece from the soft center.
Gail: "Marlene, close your mouth and chew."
Marlene had the same open mouthed pose.
Gail: "Okay, one more time: Chew, or I'm coming in after it!"
No change –she still had her mouth open with the piece on her tongue.
Gail: "Okay: I'm coming in after it. DON'T BITE ME!"
She had the habit of biting the water spoon, so I was concerned about my fingers, but I was able to retrieve the piece of sandwich and escape unbitten!

Al, one of our musicians at D-I: "Hi Marlene! I'm going to play you a concert tonight!"
Marlene: "You are? I'm THRILLED!"
Al: "O my God! I didn't expect you to be talking! I think I'm gonna cry!'
Al, when he was leaving: "Bye Marlene, I'm going home now."
Marlene: "You're leaving me?? No, no! It's not fair!
Al: "I'll come back in a few days."
That seemed to appease her, and Al came back several times to play music.

While Al is playing soft music, Gail is sitting next to Marlene and touching her arm.
Gail says softly to Marlene: "I love you." Marlene replies, "Too bad."
Al and I laugh over Marlene's straight-faced humor.


Marlene motions to Gail to come closer. Gail bends over to see what she wants. Marlene purses her lips for a kiss. Gail takes the hint and kisses Marlene.
Marlene: "Not bad."
Gail, laughing with Al: "After 27 years, NOW you're critiquing me?? You're a trip!"

At the end, Marlene always had her hand up to her ear. She was 'making phone calls' to her friends. At least a half-dozen times she would say,
"Ok, Gotta go now!"
"Bye-bye now!'
"Have a good day!"