Emma Marlene McDonald moved to her heavenly home on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Emma, who was known as Marlene, was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Marlene was born on March 18th, 1941, in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Walter and Emma Cornell. She is preceded in death by sisters Ann Stuart, Mary Ellen Murphy, and Eileen Woollen, brother Walter Cornell, and granddaughter Melissa Fuller.

Marlene is survived by her son Clifford McDonald, daughter Karen Willard and son-in-law William Willard Jr, son Mark McDonald and daughter-in-law Maria McDonald, and daughters Cynthia Merritt, Marlene McDonald, and Maureen McDonald. Also, her grandchildren Rachel Poole (spouse, Deryck Poole), William Willard III, Nicholas Merritt, Brittany Main, Brieanna Jones (spouse, Justin Jones), Austin Roop, and Mark McDonald, Jr. and 7 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Linda Wilson and several nieces and nephews.

Marlene was a retired 911 dispatcher for the Baltimore City Police Department. She lived her life to serve her family and others.

Simple things in life brought Marlene happiness like a good book, a classic movie, and oldies music. When her children were younger, she would take them from the city life to find beauty where the air was clear, the fields were green, and kites and planes were flown. She was drawn to the country life where you could enjoy the sounds of nature and appreciate time together without distraction. She also savored a good beach trip and liked to travel and explore other states.

Marlene was an avid sewer and crocheter. She made blankets and clothes for friends and family. She had an affection for bears and gathered quite a collection over the years of big, small, stuffed, and porcelain ones. In addition to traveling, creating, and collecting, she loved to bake, especially at Christmas. Marlene's Christmas cookies were a family staple.

Marlene was often quiet, but she had a fun spirit. In her younger years, you would find her making quirky sounds or singing and dancing around the house. She enjoyed family gatherings and watching her grandchildren grow. She was known to sacrifice her own needs for the benefit of others. Marlene was an integral part of her family and though she is no longer with us her love and prayers for her family remain.

In her most trying times, Marlene held tightly to her faith in Jesus. She knew that faith was the foundation of life. Jesus was her strength, her peace, and her hope. Today Marlene is with her Savior rejoicing that the pain of this life is no more, and her peace is eternal.