Marlene “Nana” Gleason passed away peacefully on May 15th, 2023 at the age of 88 on a beautiful spring day in Helena, MT.
Born August 20, 1934 in Helena, MT, to Carl and Mary Cross. She was the youngest of 6 siblings and grew up climbing trees, riding bikes, and exploring the fields near her home.
In 1952, she graduated from Helena High School and it was there that she met the love of her life, “Bing” Gleason. They were married in 1953 at El Toro Marine Base in Santa Ana, California. Shortly after marrying, they moved back to Helena where she and Bing raised 5 children, Jim, Tim, Pat, Jan and Jeff.
Marlene worked as a medical receptionist for nearly 40 years for Dr. Robert Whitesitt. Working this job required traveling over McDonald Pass and back five days a week, often in the dark and in all kinds of weather, while occasionally dodging deer. She was fearless!
“Nana” was truly a pioneer. She loved being outdoors, camping, gardening, and became a master log peeler for their home. She was a talented artist and loved painting canvases of landscapes with homes in a wilderness setting. Her love for the many birds at her home were a priority, every day she kept their feeders full.
Her heart was as big as the thousands of acres surrounding her, her wisdom beyond wise, and no one could bake better cinnamon rolls or molasses cookies. Her calm, loving nature drew everyone to her and she never knew a stranger. Her hugs were genuine and always gave the comfort needed. Although she didn’t travel far from her home, she was worldly in so many ways.
Nana’s faith was strong and she was diligent about saying her rosary daily and praying for all her family. This was a task in itself as she has 17 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. She leaves a legacy we will proudly carry on.
Marlene is survived by her 5 children Jim (Nikki), Tim (Denise) Jan (Goose) Gregson, Patrick (Connie), Jeffrey (Katie), her grandchildren and great grandchildren and beloved dog, Lucy.
We love you mom, Nana, with all our hearts. Thank you for your love, never ending goodness, strength, wisdom and warm hugs. We miss you and are so happy you are dancing with dad.
We give special thanks to Edgewood Senior Living for the excellent care and loving compassion she received by their amazing staff. We also would like to thank Enhabit Hospice for their support and guidance.
A private family service will be held at a future date.
Memorials in Marlene’s name are suggested to St. Theodore’s Catholic Church, PO Box 786, Deer Lodge MT 59722, Enhabit Hospice, 2827 Airport Road, Helena, MT 59601 or the Elliston Fire/Paramedic Department, General Delivery, Elliston, MT 59728.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Stan Morrison says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Gleason family at this sad time. Bing, Blair and Jean were waiting to greet your mother with open arms.
Stan and Lynn
Steve Morrison says
Fond memories of Marlene, one of the original neighborhood Moms.
Always sweet and kind.
My condolences to the Gleason family.
Julie & Jim DeMars says
So very sorry to see that Marlene has passed. She was such a wonderful woman. I’m thankful that a lot of the “bridge club” are back together again, though. I’m sure there is a lot of laughter going on! Keeping the Gleason family in our thoughts and prayers as you learn to live without her here on earth.
Janice Hunter says
Thank you Marlene for being the very special person you were! The perfect other mother to my daughter, Connie! We shared kids grandkids, and I love them all…. God bless you as I know he has.!
Bruce and Deah Dunkle says
Sending love and hugs to all of you! Marlene was such a lovely lady! We have many fond memories of her warmth and kindness. She will be greatly missed.
Mike & Margaret Foster says
Will miss her more than you will know. We bought property next to her and Bing, planning to build our dream house. We moved up there September 1995 and while building the garage were living in our pickup camper which was sitting on the ground and bailed in with straw bails. Marlene, kept insisting we move into their cabin, which was next to their house and just a short distance from us (easy walking distance). Well we didn’t, but they were always making sure we were “Okay”! We were always considered part of the family and enjoyed many a Holiday and celebration with them and their family. She truly was a “great” cook and her passing, leaves a “big hole” in our hearts!
Stacy Morrison says
Marlene was a second mom to us kids growing up on 5th Avenue. She was always so sweet and kind and my mother thought the world of her. She, Bing and the Gleason family will always hold a special place in my heart. This world sure could use more people like Marlene Gleason. Thanks for the wonderful memories. My condolences to the Gleason family 🙏
Dave Anderson says
Tim, Jim and others..
Sincere condolences to all of you at this time of loss..be strong and know folks are thinking of you.
Ron Dye says
Jim – Nikki and family Gleason. I am sorry to hear about your mother who I met only 1 time but knew she was a kind and caring person. She is for sure in a better place and more than likely happy to be dancing with “bing”.
Dan McGowan says
Jim, Tim, and family – so sorry to hear about the loss of such a beautiful lady. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Jo and Paul Bryson says
So very sorry for your loss. May God bless you and bring you comfort and strength during the difficult days ahead.
Betty Brewer says
So sorry for your loss. Sending healing hugs and prayers for you all.