Marlene Bess

Marlene K. Bess

IRVING, N.Y.---Marlene K. Bess, 71, of Irving, formerly of Buffalo, passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2020, in Buffalo General Medical Center, Buffalo, after a long illness.

Born on Monday, February 14, 1949, in Bradford, Pa., she was a daughter of James E. and Louise West Bess.

Marlene served the Lord for a period of years as a nun. For many years, she was a caregiver to handicapped children.

Marlene was a member and past president of DDSO, an agency serving adults with developmental disabilities in New York State. She enjoyed crafts of all kinds. Marlene collected bells, a passion she shared with her mother.

Surviving are her adopted daughter, Jill Hyman of Sturgeon Point; a sister, Genevieve Stone of Stockton; and several cousins, including Mary Ellen Stonemetz of Irving, who lovingly cared for Marlene in her home.

In addition to her parents, Marlene was predeceased by a son, Ronnie Barksdale; and her eldest sister, Patricia Bess Petruzzi.

There will be no public visitation or funeral services. Burial will be in the Pauline M. West Cemetery, Millport, Pa.

Marlene’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Pa.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Marlene, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.