Marlene Lawrence's Obituary
Marlene Thorkildsen Pacheco Lawrence
1939-2017
Marlene Lawrence passed away February 11, 2017. After a stroke in 2015, a series of injuries and illnesses ensued. Marlene was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. Daughter of Harry and Louise Thorkildsen. Sam Pacheco was Marlene’s first husband. Together they had their daughter Rita. Marlene married Robert Lawrence April 8, 1982, who was loyal to her until her death.
She was raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Marlene shared her fantastic hope of living again with loved ones on a completely cleansed and transformed earth and under a perfect theocratic rule that will do away with all illness, death, injustice and suffering of any kind.
Marlene did some modeling in her early years, but she was as beautiful on the inside as she was the outside. She started as a waitress in 1959 at Harman’s Café (Kentucky Fried Chicken). Marlene was well known as a hard working and efficient employee with impeccable work ethic. Pete Harman the owner of KFC was very fond of Marlene and treated her kindly and generously. Marlene even has a KFC store named after her. After the restaurants were closed, Marlene was transferred to Quality Distributing, and then to Harman Management to continue her employment, until her retirement Dec 2013. She worked until the age of 74 when it was suggested that she retire. She would have still have been working today if she had her choice. She always wanted to stay busy, we think that’s what kept her young for so long.
She was known for her sweet and consistent demeanor. She was truly a treasure to people who knew her, generous and kind to everyone. The gentlest disposition. Marlene was game to do just about anything. She bungee jumped in her 60s and rode the ‘sky-coaster’ at Lagoon. These were rides that most people would never attempt. Marlene provided her daughter Rita and her friend Joi with incredible memories when they traveled together to the Caribbean and then to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. She also loved to ski. Even after her broken hip this past summer, her therapist asked her what goal she would like to achieve. She responded ‘I d like to ski again’.
There will be an open house to celebrate her life at her daughter’s home Saturday Feb. 25th between 1:00-5:00pm All are welcome, please come enjoy some food and share some stories.
Address is: 1496 east 7335 south, SLC, Ut 84121
She will be deeply missed by:
Husband
Robert Lawrence
Children
Rita
Siblings:
Terry Thorkildsen
Jack Thorkildsen
What’s your fondest memory of Marlene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marlene?
Share a story where Marlene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marlene you’ll never forget.
How did Marlene make you smile?