Marlene Sweeney Brask Donahue, a longtime resident of Spring Glen, Hamden, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2022. Marlene was born on January 21, 1935, the only child of Pauline and Glenn Sweeney in Waterloo, Iowa. Marlene is predeceased by her first husband Thomas Brask, and second husband John Donahue. She is survived by her four children: Lisa (John), Mindy (Rich), Max (Matthew), and Jason, four grandchildren: Matt, Jenna, Sarah, and Reilly, and three stepchildren: Mary, Liz, and Peter (Christy).
Marlene was a successful entrepreneur, launching Accuspeed Typing and Transcribing in the late 1970s. With the help of her trusted and talented colleague, Mary Schnabel, they were able to create book and medical transcriptions in addition to well written resumes and much more for over 35 years. She loved her work and was a master of the English language. There was not a word in the dictionary she could not spell. She always had a crossword puzzle going on the counter and would play Scrabble whenever possible. She wrote the most beautiful notes to her family and friends. Her handwriting and the words were both so lovely. Marlene was a woman with strong ties to her church. She attended Mass at Saint Rita's daily, sang in the choir and occasionally played the organ at services. She was a huge fan of the Longwharf Theater and NYC.
Known for her sense of occasion and style, and as a writer, she created delightful poems and verses, which she thoughtfully presented to family and friends. Marlene loved to entertain. She was happiest when she was with what she lovingly called "The Village," Susan Welsh, the Dahills, Dalys, Emsweilers, Georges, Wickweirs, Armstrongs and Waldrons. Special thanks to her nextdoor neighbors Mickey and Eileen. Also, thank you to the wonderful people at Artis in Branford, where she spent her last years. Marlene/Mom/Marna was the center of our family. She was treasured, will be greatly missed, and is forever in our hearts.
A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Marlene's life will be held at Saint Rita Church/St. Paul VI Parish, 1620 Whitney Ave., Hamden on Thursday, October 27th at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden.