Mary Ann "Marianne" Melena

Marianne Theresa Melena, 88, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2023, in Kansas City, MO. She was a much-loved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Visitation and Rosary will be held at Coronation of Our Lady Catholic Church, 13000 Benington Avenue, Grandview, MO on Friday, October 27th, 2023 at 10am.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11am.

Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 8151 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, MO.

Marianne was born on December 10, 1934 in Iowa, and was baptized at St. James Orphanage in Omaha, Nebraska, on November 12, 1935. She was adopted by John (Jack) and Irene Glantz on December 19th, 1936. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Omaha in 1952, and attended Creighton University until she met her future husband when she worked at Hospe's Music Company. She married William (Bill) Melena on July 11, 1953 at Holy Angels Church.

They moved to Kansas City in 1961 and were founding members of St. Matthew the Aspostle Church. Her dedication to community organizations was lifelong and culminated with over 10 years working for the St. James Cafe soup kitchen.

In her free time, Marianne enjoyed travel (Norway in particular), antiquing, bridge, painting and collecting glass candlesticks. Nothing, however, was more loved by her than spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends (and her cat, Willow).

Marianne was preceded in death by her husband Bill in 1994, and by her son Michael, in 2015.

She is survived by her children William (Robin) Melena of Phoenix, AZ,
Suzanne Melena of Kansas City, Matthew Melena of Kansas City, Patrick (Tena) Melena of Kansas City, Mary (Darryl) Melena of Austin, TX and grandchildren Hannah, Nick, Jessica, Angela, Dusty and David, and great-grandchildren Mia, Nivia, Aleena, Keelin, Jordan, and Brayden.

Marianne's love and compassion touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed.