Marlene Louise Torrence of Sharon went home to her Lord and Savior at 12:07 p.m. Thursday, January 25, 2018, in Sharon Regional Medical Center. She was 72.

Mrs. Torrence was born August 12, 1945, in Campbell, Ohio, a daughter of Worth and Daisy Martin. Raised in Campbell, she was a 1963 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School and later completed several courses at business school.

Marlene began her career as a cashier at Rite Aid, Sharon, where she became store manager, and later worked in the same capacity for Rite Aid, Youngstown, retiring in 1988.

She was proud to be the first local business woman to earn a grant from the Pennsylvania Minority Small Business Fund. By applying the grant to the renovation of two local buildings, Marlene successfully created The Treasure Chest, a business she owned and operated for many years with her husband, Kenny.  As a young woman she was the partner and operator of a Seamstress Shop on Broadway Street, Farrell.

Marlene was an active member of Valley Church of God, Hermitage.

Marlene was an elected representative of the former 4th Ward (South Flats) during the late 1960s, a member of the Civil Service Commission, a member of the County Board of Election, where she volunteered as a poll worker, and a served as Crossing Guard for many years, all in Sharon.

She loved being outdoors in her garden, and often had many gardening tourist stop to admire her beautiful flowers. Marlene also enjoyed thrift store stopping and decorating her home for Christmas.

Above all, she loved her family and the time she spent with them, particularly her grandchildren.

Her husband, Robert K. "Kenny" Torrence whom she married June 13, 1964, passed away May 15, 2017.

Surviving are: three daughters, Kimberley Johnson, GA; Marla and Staci Torrence, both of NC; three sons, Kelvin Torrence and his wife April, Hermitage; Darryl Torrence and his wife Karen, Sharon; and Mark Torrence and his wife Chiemi, WA; a sister, Annie Martin; and two brothers, Henry and Freddie Martin, all Youngstown; 14 grandchildren, Monique, Justin, Kevin, Ondrea, Natasha, Tobias, Jordan, Kayla, Camille, Olivia, Cynthia, Lydia, Brandyn and Temarah; and four great grandchildren, Laurel Grea, K'Dence, Alphonzo and Logan; a beloved nephew, Lonnie Torrence. She also leaves beloved brother-in-laws, Ronald (Harry) Torrence, NY, and David Torrence, Hermitage; and her cat, Boots, whom she adored.

In addition to her husband, Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; beloved mother-in-law, Doris Torrence; and a host of siblings.

Calling hour will be 11 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday (1-31-18) in Valley Church of God, 1957 Pine Hallow Blvd., Hermitage.

A celebration of Marlene's Life will be held at noon Wednesday, in the Church, with Rev. Michelle Askerneese, pastor, officiating; assisted by, Bishop Alvin J. McCoy, of Greater New Living Way Apostolic Temple, Sharon.

Interment: Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage.