Our mom, Marlene Tschikof Brighton, age 86, joined the dance among the stars and the heavens with our dad, Norman Brighton, her grandson Adam Vogl, and other family members on March 28, 2019, which was 20 years to the day when our dad passed away. Mom left this world peacefully much in the way she lived her life with grace, beauty and a quiet strength.
Marlene was born April 17, 1932 in Firth, Idaho. She graduated from Firth High School and attended college in Pocatello, Idaho. On September 9, 1951 she married Norman Dan Brighton. He preceded her in death in 1999 after 47 years together. She spent many years as a homemaker raising their 5 daughters. Marlene began work outside the home as a receptionist for optometrist Dr. Tom Rasmussen and later retired from the State of Montana, Department of Administration.
Marlene had many interests and creative talents including cooking delicious home cooked meals, gardening, canning, jewelry making, sewing, camping, golfing, snowmobiling, swimming, traveling, music and dancing. However, Mom’s greatest joy in life was her family. Raising 5 girls presented its challenges, yet there was lots of laughter, fun and adventures that were never boring and often included a dose of mischief. She was like a sister to her daughters ready to join in on the fun!
Later, Marlene met Harold Adams and together they shared a special companionship of 10 years. There were many enjoyable experiences with them wintering in St. George, Utah, as well as traveling and golfing in Montana, Utah, South Carolina and Hawaii.
Marlene is the daughter of Alfred and Lillian Tschikof. She is survived by her sisters Evelyn Rainey of Newdale, Idaho and Cindy Baker of Liberty, Utah; her daughters Michelle (Rob) Dickey, Lindi (Chuck) Murray, Lori (Gary) Martinsen, Julia (Joe) Carter and Amy (Mark Hull) Marshall, all of Helena; her grandchildren Marissa Barthelmas of Charleston, South Carolina, Sarah Bergholz of Denver, Colorado, Marcie Gleason of Bozeman, Tyler and Trevor Murray, Jay Martinsen and Hunter Marshall of Helena, Amber Blake of Big Timber, and John Marshall of New York and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Margo Dial, her husband Norman Brighton, her grandson Adam Vogl, and her dear friend Harold Adams.
Marlene lived at Son Heaven and then Beehive Assisted Living for the past 4 years, surrounded by compassionate caregivers. The family would like to express a heartfelt thank-you to all of the staff at Son Heaven, the Beehive Home and Hospice of St. Peter’s for their gentle, loving care of Marlene.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 14, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Memorials may be sent to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or to an organization of your choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Marlene.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 14, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Friday June 14, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 14, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Friday June 14, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Sandi Benson says
I worked with Marlene and have very high regards for her. She always had a smile, good conversation and I respected her. My condolences to all of the family. Rest now Marlene and know your job was done well. “God Bless”
Allen Stenhjem Family says
To all of Normans Girls,
Your mom was the Greatest , What a wonderful Lady, God Bless…………………..
Jim and Sally Wilcox (Russell) says
We are so sad to here about Marlene. She was a beautiful fun lady to be with. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you girls and our hearts
are broken for your loss. Our thoughts will be with you, now, and the days ahead. God bless and love you all!!
Bryl Newman says
So sorry to hear about Marlene’s passing. I worked with Marlene when she worked for the state. Her sense of humor was priceless and she was a wonderful woman. Prayers for all her family.
Tom Rasmussen says
To the Brighton girls and families: I have fond memories of Marlene during the time she worked in my eyecare office for several years way back around 1970. She was a wonderful, gentle spirited lady and was a great employee.
She and your father raised a wonderful family, I enjoyed meeting each of you back then and I express to you my condolences at this time of your loss. Blessings to you!
Lonnie Collings says
We were so sorry to hear of Marlene’s passing. She was such a wonderful person inside and out. I know she brought our dad (Harold Adams) much enjoyment. They had such a special relationship, so happy that they were to go and do so many things. In fact I think she was the one that introduced dad to the game of golf. She is now with Norm, and so many other Shriners. I am so sorry we did not keep in contact with her after dad’s passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dan and Lonnie Collings
Deb Winston Bushnell says
Dear Michelle, I was very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Not sure if you remember me but I sure remember you and your little sisters! I also remember your dad and mom and how wonderful they both were. Please know I’m thinking of you all!
Deb (Winston) Bushnell
Marv St Clair says
My sincerest condolences to all the Brighton clan and families. After moving to Alaska I remember bumping into Norman and Marlene at the Spokane airport many years ago. We had a quick entertaining lunch together with lots of laughs. Years later Janet and I we were checking in to golf at Fox Ridge and again ran into Mrs Brighton. She was so full of life and vibrant. Mrs Brighton was truly a wonderful lady and I know she will deeply missed by all.
Marv St Clair
Jim & Jo Burrington says
Michelle and Amy, So sorry to see the passing of your Mom. Losing a parent is never easy.
Sherry Hall says
Amy,
So sorry for the loss of your mom.
With deepest sympathy & love,
Sherry Hall
Rosemary Goodman says
I will never forget Aunt Marlene and her beautiful smile! I have many memories of Aunt Marlene and Uncle Norman at the Island Park Cabin. Wish we could have been closer. She was lucky to have such amazing, loving daughters. Wish we could be there for the memorial. Love you all! Rosemary