Marlene A. (McNellis) Abb, age 85, of Escanaba, passed away Thursday morning, October 19, 2017 at Pine Grove, located at Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers. She was born on March 9, 1932 in Escanaba to David A. and Anna (Pearson) McNellis. Marlene grew up in Escanaba and had been a U.P State Fair Queen – Runner Up. She also was a member of the Escanaba Graduating Class of 1950. The former Marlene McNellis married Joseph Abb and he preceded her in death on January 15, 1972. Marlene was a long-time employee of Lee’s Style Shop and also worked at F.W. Woolworth Company. In her later years, she was very involved with the Foster Grandparent’s Program at Webster Elementary School and also participated in the VISCAP Volunteer Program. Marlene was strong in her Catholic faith.

Marlene A. Abb is survived by son, Michael (Staci) Abb of Bark River; daughter, Tracy (John) Tryan of Ford River; grandchildren, Kyle Abb, Erin Abb, and Jesse McMillan; great-grandchildren, Keifer McMillan, Brody McMillan, and Easton Harma; sister, Janet of Seattle, WA; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Marlene was preceded in death by sisters, Peggy Nickles, Vera Englehart, and Shirley Anderson; and brothers, Ed McNellis, Stanley Wellman, and Theodore Wellman.

Private graveside funeral services are being planned.

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