Marlene I. Jones' Obituary
Marlene Iris Jones Oct. 12, 1931- May 25, 2012 Resident of Castro Valley A resident of Castro Valley since 1982, our beloved Marlene’s soul has left our Earth, but her joy for life and love for people will live on for us all. Born in Oakland to John and Peggy Tokes, Marlene joined the 1948 graduating class at San Leandro High School. Following her lifelong desire to care for people, Marlene entered studies at the Kaiser Permanente Nursing School in Oakland and graduated in 1952. In 1954, she married Jack Jones and made a home with him in San Lorenzo. She also gained a job at Eden Hospital as it opened, and Marlene scrubbed in on many of the very first surgical cases performed at the Hospital. She and Jack raised four boys together. Marlene eventually became the Operating Room Manager, a position she kept for over 20 years. During that time, she also provided oversight for other departments. Along with others, Marlene was responsible for putting together the plan for the first private Trauma Hospital in Alameda County, helping Eden win the prize designation from the County. After Marlene’s retirement in 1995, she extended her instinct to care for people in other ways. She acted as an unofficial ombudsman for neighbors who were having problems threading their way through our complicated health care system. She also began to take on care of her mother Peggy, who eventually passed away from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Marlene was able to have plenty of play in her retirement years, however. She engaged with her lifelong love of nature more deeply, and was particularly happy when she could watch and listen to birds. A few trips to Mendocino provided memories which brought joy to the rest of Marlene’s days. She also treasured her many friendships and doted on her grandchildren. Her last years of dignity were lived in the Medford, Oregon region, under the oversight of her eldest son. Marlene is survived by her sons Casey, Jeffrey, Douglas and Michael, her daughters-in-law Natalie and Siri, and her grandchildren Tyler, Cody and Madalynn. Services for Marlene’s burial will take place on Friday, June 1st, 11:00 am, at Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Boulevard, Hayward. All members of the public who cared for Marlene and the legacy she left in the region are invited.
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