Marlena Van Vliet
Return to Norman Dean Home for Services
Obituary
Print

Obituary of Marlena Grace Van Vliet

Please share a memory of Marlena to include in a keepsake book for family and friends.
View Tribute Book

Marlena Grace Van Vliet of Denville, NJ passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025.  She was 73 years old. 
 

Marlena was born at Passaic Hospital and grew up in Clifton, NJ. She graduated from Clifton High School and held a diploma in computer programming from The Computer Programming Center in Clifton, NJ.   In the 1980s, Marlena built her passive solar home in Trade, TN.  In 1999 she moved to Boone, NC and lived there until 2019.  Marlena then moved to Denville, NJ to be closer to her family. 
 

Before her retirement, Marlena was employed by Appalachian State University for over 20 years.  During her time at App State, she served as Administrative Assistant for the Counseling Center, Administrative Assistant and Scholarship Coordinator for the College of Business Dean’s Office, and Administrative Assistant in the Hubbard Center for Academic Excellence.  In addition to her administrative duties, Marlena was a member of the Staff Senate and served as Staff Senate Chair and Vice Chair from 2008 to 2010.  As Staff Senate Chair, Marlena created the ELF (Emergency Loan Fund) to assist App State employees during times of emergency or unexpected situations.  The fund is still active and currently being used for App State staff.
 

Prior to App State, Marlena’s career spanned many areas including member of the United Auto Workers Union, and potter.

Marlena always enjoyed being active and had a true passion for playing tennis.  When not on the tennis court, Marlena enjoyed bird watching, hiking, kayaking, and pickleball, as well as road trips and traveling to warm, sunny vacation spots. She loved animals and cared deeply for her dogs and cats. She treasured spending time with her family and friends.
 

Marlena was preceded in death by her parents, Marinus L. Van Vliet (1978) and Dorothy G. Van Vliet nee Markert (2003), and her brother, Garrett L. Van Vliet (2024).  Marlena is survived by her sister, Ellen Van Vliet Boltizar, niece, Sarah Boltizar, and sister-in-law, Elaine Van Vliet.  She leaves only happy memories to Ellen, Sarah, and Elaine, and many more loving relatives and friends. She will be forever missed.

If you would like to continue Marlena’s memory in your own way, kindly consider donations in her memory to St. Huberts Animal Welfare Center, or to the Appalachian State University Emergency Loan Fund, or a charity of your choice.
 

St. Huberts Animal Welfare Center:  https://www.sthuberts.org/donate

Appalachian State University Emergency Loan Fund

A public visitation will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025, from 3 to 7 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. A funeral ceremony and celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:30 AM, with friends welcome to gather beginning at 10:30 AM at Norman Dean Home for Services.