Marlene (Brown) Laidley

Marlene J. Laidley, 81, formerly of Kathleen Drive in Jefferson passed away at the Mercy Lorain New Life Hospice Care Center on December 21, 2024.

She was born January 29, 1943 in Ashtabula, Ohio, the daughter of James I. and Nettie (Mongello) Brown.

Marlene was an Ashtabula County resident her whole life. She was a graduate of Ashtabula High School in 1961 and Kent State University with a master’s degree.

On August 21, 1971 she married Jon M. Laidley and they were blessed with 25 years of marriage and two children.

She and Jon both taught in the Jefferson Area Local School System for 30 years.  Marlene began her time in the classroom and eventually became the junior high school guidance counselor; a job she thoroughly enjoyed.  Her passion for teaching and helping young people make decisions about their futures made for a career that was absolutely priceless. She was also blessed with the friendships she made along the way with fellow staff members and student families.  

Marlene was a member of St. Joseph Calasanctius Church, the Jefferson Area Teachers Association, OTA and the NTA, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the Jefferson Historical Society.  She enjoyed traveling with the family during summer breaks, reading and crafts.  Her greatest source of happiness came from being a wife, mom and grandma.  Her life revolved around the love she had for her family.

She is survived by two children: son, James R. (Kimberly) Laidley of Atlanta, Georgia and a daughter, Kirsten A. (Ryan) McElyea of North Ridgeville, Ohio; four grandchildren Morgan, Reece, Shawn, and Nathan; and her sister-in-law Lynn O’Leary.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Jon on May 21, 1996.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday December 28, 2024, at St. Joseph Calasanctius Church, 32 East Jefferson Street, Jefferson, Ohio.  Calling hours will be held from 12:00-1:00, the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00, with a Memorial Luncheon to immediately follow the Mass at the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jefferson Historical Society PO BOX 574, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 for the permanent improvement fund.

Online obituary and a place to share a memory or leave condolences can be found at www.fleming-billman.com

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