Marlene M. Zepecki

Marlene M. Zepecki, age 80, of Franklin, passed away July 16, 2022. She was born May 13, 1942, in Milwaukee, to the late Henry and Eleanor (Bobber) Nawrocki. Proceeded in death by her older brothers Elroy (Marilyn) and Roger (Evelyn) Nawrocki. Marlene is survived by her three daughters, Joan (Brian Jost), Julie (Michael Meyer), Jeanne (Jack Steiner), her grandchildren Haley Moroder (Henry), Sarah Steiner (Paul D’Amico), Henry Walsh Jost (Karli), Lindsay Jost, Julia Meyer, Carly Steiner, Kate and Roy Meyer and beloved great-grandson Louis. Also survived by other relatives and friends. Marlene retired from The Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology at age 76, having served as their receptionist for 35 years. She enjoyed the relationships she developed over the years and took pride in her work and that she was able to provide for her family. She was very proud of her daughters, her grandchildren, and her 3-month-old great grandson. Family was extremely important to her. She expressed her love by caring for her father Henry when he was diagnosed with cancer and after he passed, she cared for her mother Eleanor. Marlene welcomed Eleanor into her home where she lived for 20 years after a dementia diagnosis and provided all-embracing support until her passing. She extended this support while she fought her own health battles. Marlene was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and courageously fought for 40 years as the disease progressed, developing into Lupus and the rare Felty Syndrome. She endured and fought hard persevering through endless doctor appointments, blood transfusions, iron shots, and an ever-changing collection of medications all bringing with them a variety of side effects that sometimes made daily life difficult for her. Through her health struggles she was able to take two trips to Disney World and hoped to return to the happiest place on earth. She loved Disney World. She was tough and fought hard right up until the end. Her family would like to thank her team of doctors particularly Hematologist Dr. Robert Taylor who she saw for almost 35 years until his retirement from Advocate Aurora, her current Hematologist Dr. Abhay Jella and Nephrologist Dr. Lamya Boujelbane, for her exceptional, compassionate, and unwavering care. Donations in Marlene’s memory may be made to: Arthritis Foundation https://www.arthritis.org/donate Visitation at Max A. Sass Funeral Home MISSION HILLS CHAPEL (8910 W Drexel Ave., Franklin) Thursday, July 21, 2022, from 4:00PM – 7:00PM. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Leonard's Catholic Church (W173 S7743 Westwood Dr., Muskego) Friday, July 22, 2022, at 10:00AM. Interment to follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery in Milwaukee.