Small, Marlene – Fred H. McGrath & Son, Inc.

Marlene Small, beloved daughter of Murray and Grace Small, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, at the age of 81.

Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Marlene was a proud native of the city she loved. Her warmth, strength, and quiet grace were evident to all who knew her. A lifelong educator, Marlene began her teaching career in New York City and went on to serve for many years in the Yonkers Public Schools, where she taught Pre-K with tireless dedication and joy.

Teaching was more than a profession for Marlene—it was her life’s passion. She believed deeply in the potential of every child and approached each day in the classroom with kindness, creativity, and heart. Her impact was felt not only by her students, but also by the families and fellow educators who were inspired by her calm presence and steadfast devotion.

Marlene leaves behind her beloved daughter, Barbra Crane, and her cherished granddaughter, Ariella Crane. She took great joy in watching Ariella ice skate and was her proudest supporter. Marlene loved them both so dearly, and the bond they shared brought her endless happiness.

Her family and all who knew her will remember Marlene for her unwavering love, her nurturing spirit, and her quiet strength. She will be most remembered for her sense of humor & wittiness. She will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who loved her.

Condolences(9)

Charlotte Stupple says
June 3, 2025 at 8:58 am

My condolences to your family. I found Marlene to be a kind and gentile soul, I am sad she has passed,but know she is in a better place.
Charlotte Stupple
- REPLY
  Pam says
  June 3, 2025 at 5:45 pm
  
  It has been my privilege and honor to have had her as
  My Best Friend for 64 year’s – her charm/ her humor/ her smile- her laugh/ her loving and caring ways/
  Her mischief and her dedication as an Educator’
  I can almost hear the laughter she’s creating in Heaven’
  Love and miss you Girlfriend!
  Pam Huckle Wood’
Joan Crinnian says
June 3, 2025 at 5:21 pm

Sending my Deepest Sympathy to Barbra and Ariella. Will miss my oldest friend from when we were 12 years old.. So many memories from back then.
Till we meet again. May you Rest in Peace.
Joan Crinnian
Janea Rivera says
June 3, 2025 at 8:13 pm

My condolences to you Barb and Ariella. Your mother will be with you both as your forever guardian angel. Now she can sleep in peace and knows what a wonderful job she did in raising such a beautiful human being and watching and help her raise her beautiful granddaughter. Hugs and love to you.
Love Janea
Jennifer Jovino Lawrence Small as she would always call me lol says
June 3, 2025 at 9:47 pm

Our Beautiful Aunt! She was cherished more than she will ever know! I will miss my morning texts and will forever hold a special place in my heart ❤️
Joanne says
June 4, 2025 at 10:59 am

Marlene always had a kind heart and had a way of making you smile. She also was full of fun mischief! It was my pleasure to call her my friend.
Christine Marvin says
June 4, 2025 at 1:37 pm

My sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. I knew Marlene for many years when we were both teaching in Yonkers. I will miss her infectious humor and our delightful dinners at Carlo’s. May her memory be a blessing…
Trish says
June 5, 2025 at 6:22 pm

Awe Barbara…I’m so sorry…had such wonderful crazy times with Lil and your Mom.. sorry I can’t be with you., my Goddaughter’s getting married this weekend. You are all in my prayers..God bless 🙏
Mary ‘Pearls’ says
June 6, 2025 at 2:29 pm

Marlene was certainly unique. She could make you laugh, she could make you cry and she could get you all confused. I loved Marlene. We used to call each other ‘sisters’ because we spent so much time together and knew each other inside out.
Marlene was one of the most generous persons I know…. Money never mattered as long as love was there. Your company meant the most to her.
The love she had for her daughterBarbara, and her granddaughter Ariella was boundless.
I am so grateful I shared so much of my life with Marlene. She was a very big part of my life and the memories we shared our countless. I can’t imagine my life without her.

Small, Marlene June 21, 1943 - May 24, 2025

Condolences(9)

Charlotte Stupple says

Pam says

Joan Crinnian says

Janea Rivera says

Jennifer Jovino Lawrence Small as she would always call me lol says

Joanne says

Christine Marvin says

Trish says

Mary ‘Pearls’ says

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