Marlene Ann Sturdy

Marlene Ann Sturdy (Scaccia), born on April 13, 1948, passed away on January 3, 2026. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Marlene's life was characterized by her unwavering commitment to her family and faith.

Marlene earned an Associate's Degree in Education from Joliet Junior College. She dedicated a significant portion of her professional life serving as a teacher's aide at St. Mary Magdalene and Ludwig schools. However, it was at Providence Catholic High School where she spent the majority of her career as a pastoral assistant, where her love for the students and her devotion to the school masses and the Kairos program were evident to all who knew her.

Marlene touched the lives of countless individuals. Those who had the privilege of knowing her can attest to her remarkable personality—an outstanding listener with a selfless spirit who put the needs of others before her own. Beaming with positivity and a bright smile, she had a remarkable gift for uncovering the best in everyone she met. Marlene's strength and resilience were a constant source of inspiration, leading her family and friends through every obstacle by setting an example of perseverance, courage, and unwavering faith.

Family was the cornerstone of Marlene's life. She shared a beautiful partnership with her husband, Leonard Sturdy, whom she described as her soulmate. Married 56 years the pair was inseparable, and she knew exactly how to bring out the best in him.

Marlene was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help where she enjoyed attending Sunday Mass, singing in the choir, and serving as a lector. She also enjoyed taking walks around the neighborhood with Len; pool days; shopping; sharing lunch with Char, George and her Providence family; and going on cruises with Don and Cor. Her traditions—the family reunion, baking, laloo and meatball making, and serving pasta at every gathering—will be continued by her family.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Leonard Sturdy; two daughters Carrie (Kevin) Liebovich and Angela (Mike) Jaworski; son Gregg (Kristy) Sturdy; and her seven beloved grandchildren: Alexandria, Jade, Savana, Olivia, Michael, Miles, and Elle. She is also survived by her sister Charlene (George) Waldvogel, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who treasured their time with her.

Marlene is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Angeline Scaccia; her in-laws, Lloyd and Eleanor Sturdy; her sister, Geraldine Bertino; and her brother-in-law, Joseph Bertino.

Her family and friends feel that they are the luckiest people to have had someone as special as Marlene in their lives. She will be remembered as a woman of faith, kindness, generosity, courage and strength, whose legacy of family, faith, and love will continue to live on through the many traditions and values she instilled in those who were fortunate enough to know her. To know her was to love her. She is truly irreplaceable and will forever live on in our hearts. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday January 24, 2026 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish- St Mary Magdalene Church 201 South Briggs St Joliet IL 60433 from 9:00am until the start of Mass at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers memorials to St Jude Children's Hospital or Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) see links below.