Marlene Solimeo

Marlene Solimeo (nee Campbell), age 88, of Philadelphia passed away on the morning of Wednesday May 21st.

She was born in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania on May 12, 1937 to Catharine (Farrell) and Regis E. Campbell. She grew up in Star Junction, Pennsylvania.

Marlene was preceded in death by her husband Nicholas of 45 years, son, Nicholas, and siblings Regis Campbell, Patrick Campbell, and Mary Catherine Boerner (nee Campbell).

She was a member of St Bernard’s Church and worked as a head cook of St. Hubert’s High School for many years.
Marlene cherished her motherhood and embraced every part with devotion, particularly cooking for her family.

 

She believed that family was everything and lived that truth daily, spending her time cooking, baking, and hosting- sometimes for weeks at a time. She hosted countless holidays filled with love and tradition; simmering pots on the stove until everything was “just right” (something only she knew but couldn’t describe). She always made time to bake hundreds of Christmas cookies with her granddaughter every December, passing down her family recipes and cookie press. She is famously known for her apple cake which was often requested and she happily obliged.
Friends and family alike would walk through her door and find that it felt like home. Her life is a beautiful example of how love and togetherness are the foundation of enduring family.
In her free time she loved listening to classic country music and found joy in watching ice skating competitions, captivated by the grace and beauty to be seen on the ice. In her evenings you could find her talking on the phone for hours with her sister, never running out of things to say, or ordering fresh pizza pie from Shef’s Pizza to enjoy with her son.

Marlene is survived by her son Joseph Solimeo, daughter in law Kathleen Solimeo, and granddaughter Jacqueline Solimeo (Brent Hammond). She also leaves behind many friends at Paul’s Run Retirement Community who will miss their bingo games and hair salon talks with her.
Relatives and friends are invited to Marlene’s viewing on Wednesday 5/28, 8:30 to 9:30am at Mannal Funeral Home, 6925 Frankford Ave. (at Tyson). Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday 5/28, 10am at St. Bernard’s RC Church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions in Marlene’s name may be made to the charity of your choice.