Funeral services for 79-year old Marlena Martin Richardson of Chadron, NE, are Friday, April 05, 2024 at 10:00 at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron with The Rev Russ Seger officiating.
The family suggests memorials to the Chadron American Legion Auxiliary or to the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department.
Online condolences may be left at chamberlainchapel.com
Marlena Martin Richardson was born on Feb 24, 1945, in Kansas City, KS, to Albert Luevano Martin and Natalie Porras Martin. She died on March 16, 2024 at Crestview Manor Care Center in Chadron.
The family moved to Chadron in 1956, where Marlena attended Assumption Academy, Chadron High School and Chadron State College.
In college, she was a member of the International Society, the Journalism Club, the Chadron State Players (Drama), and Alpha XI Delta.
Marlena joined the Peace Corps in 1965 and served as a volunteer in the Philippines followed by a two-year stint with the Peace Corps in Hawaii.
She then moved to San Diego, California with her sister Mary. In 1970, she moved to Boston and in 1974 was married to M Daniel Richardson Jr. They later divorced in 1990.
In Boston, Marlena worked at the US Dept of Housing and Urban Development for five years, before beginning her career with the City of Boston as City Planner, Director of Housing, and Deputy Director of Civil Rights.
After 35 years with the city, she retired in March 2000. Marlena received numerous awards and recognitions for her work in the city and community.
In 2018, she returned to Chadron and first settled at Prairie Pines Lodge and then moved to Crestview Manor.
Marlena enjoyed international travel and loved to dance and attend concerts with a passion for all types of music. Her “welcome mat” was always out for cats.
Survivors include two sisters: Betty Sanchez (Gene) of Chadron; Mary Martin King (Dan) of Rapid City, SD; many cousins, nephews/Nieces and dear friends.
Honorary pallbearers are Dennis Martin, Diane Jackson, Richard Porras, Cecilia Camacho, Ed Porris, and Ben Porris.
Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements for Marlena Martin Richardson.