SchenaMarleneElisa

Kind, thoughtful service to help lighten your burden.

Marlene Elisa (Harty) Schena

Marlene Elisa (Harty) Schena, 51, died August 19, 2010 at her home in Barrington, NH with husband and best friend Joe at her side. Born October 7, 1958 in Gardner, MA she spent most of her life within sight of Barrington’s quiet lakes and piney woods. She graduated from Spaulding High in 1976. When she was eight Marlene met Joe; at 21 they started their life together. With him she built a home on a beautiful, sunny hillside which was sanctuary for them and their two sons.

Family was of primary importance to Marlene: the one she created with Joe; the one her parents gave her; and the one she married into. She was proud of her sons who exasperated and delighted her. Her husband could always make her laugh - or get her to go on a parts run with him. Rarely a day passed without a call to or from one of her siblings or a visit with her own or Joe’s parents. But Marlene was no pushover. She had a quick wit and was to known to ask: “Are you listening, or waiting until it’s your turn to talk?”

Marlene’s passion for vintage and costume jewelry became both avocation and business. She learned about flea marketing from her father, and like him traveled far and wide in search of treasures. She scoured thrift stores, yard sales and consignment shops seeking bright, glittery things to wear or display. On any given summer day Marlene could be found buying, selling and trading with dealers at flea markets in New Hampshire, Maine or Massachusetts. In winter she frequented auctions. She especially loved to get her sisters and friends laughing which was both welcome distraction and cheerful entertainment for the other bidders. Her vibrant personality, professionalism and unshakeable ethics were evident to all who met her. Marlene had an eye for artistry and craftsmanship, and re-sold pieces on eBay to collectors around the world. Her designation as a Top Rated Seller rating was a source of great satisfaction as was her 100% Positive Feedback rating.

Marlene lived her life with compassion, defiance, humor and enduring love. Even as she battled the disease which ravaged her body she continued to dictate how her house was run and how her treatment was handled. She wrestled with Her Creator until the end when she gracefully passed from Joe’s hands into His.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years Joseph Schena, Jr, her sons Joseph III (Dover, NH) and Thomas (Barrington, NH); her parents Martin and Arlene Harty (Barrington, NH); her siblings Monica Crockett and husband Dana (Rochester, NH), Mary Harty (Barrington NH and Armenia), Margaret Harty and “Pete” Peterson (Somersworth, NH), Martin Harty Jr, Jerome Harty, Michele Scott and husband Kevin (all of LeHigh Acres, FL), Neil Harty (Dover NH), John Harty (Barrington, NH), and Thomas Harty (Jacksonville, FL); her in laws, Joseph Sr. and Helen Schena (Farmington, NH), Christine Adkins and husband Mike (Opelika, AL), Joanne Corrow (Dover, NH) and Thomas Schena (Newton, NH) along with many nieces, nephews, great -nieces and -nephews and friends too numerous to list who will always love and miss her.

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service with the family on Thursday from 11 to 4.

Remembrances may be sent to: Seacoast Hospice or your favorite nonprofit Thrift Store.

Stockbridge Funeral Home invites you to post your entries of love and support for the family. All postings are monitored and any inappropriate posts will be immediately deleted. Thanks in advance for your respect for the family.

Celebration of Life & Memorial Service -

Thursday, August 26, 2010

11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Schena Home

Barrington, New Hampshire