Marlene H. Fiala
September 30, 1963 - December 11, 2023
Marlene H. Fiala, age 60, of Landenberg, PA, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023.
Born in Newark, DE on September 30, 1963, she was a daughter of Herta M. (Kramer) Dignan and the late Walter J. Dignan. Upon the birth of her first child, Marlene left her career and devoted her life to caring for her three children. More recently, she had begun working as a Real Estate Agent at Berkshire Hathaway.
During her childhood, Marlene enjoyed playing basketball and volleyball. She loved hanging out with her closest friends and siblings and getting into trouble. Marlene enjoyed being outside, an afternoon nap, cars, and family vacation. She was a caring person who loved helping others anyway she could. Marlene had many friends from all aspects of her life and was always making new ones everywhere she went. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, specifically her husband, children, and grandchild.
Marlene was preceded in death by her father, Walter Dignan. She is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Theodore T. “Ted” Fiala; children, Rhiannon Sayles (Darion), Toby Fiala (Jamie), and Jack Fiala; grandchild, Zoey Sayles; mother, Herta Dignan; siblings, Mike Dignan, Ann Carpenter, and Steve Dignan (Debbie); and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 11:30 am on Friday, December 15, 2023, at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, 2431 Frazer Road, Newark, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30 am. A graveside service will be held at 11 am on Monday, December 18, 2023, in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marlene’s memory to the Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 North 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 or online by clicking here, or in honor of her father, to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online by clicking here.
Joe and Chis Munro
We are so saddened by this news! We have you all in our thoughts.🙏 Marlene loved life and her family with her whole being❤️ A beautiful lady will be truly missed!! Big hugs to you all❤️
Bill Wallace
To all of Marlene’s family,
I’m so saddened by your loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Marlene was a wonderful woman, great wife and incredible mother.
Not only a mother to her own kids but to so many kids in the community, like my son throughout the years.
So many unbelievable and awesome memories of Marlene being the “sports” mom to so many young athletes and in some ways their parents as well.
Truly will be missed and my deepest condolences.
She was one of a kind!
Teri
I am in shock. Such a vibrant person and always had a smile on her face along with a quick funny comment. Your smile will be one of the things I will remember about you. Be free and fly high 🌹
Mike Allen
Ted. So much thinking about you. Mine and Michele’s heart goes out to you and your family as well as Marlene’s. Stay strong brother. I know it’s easier said than done. Not so sure how long it would take me to be able to hold up to the same advice.
Our thoughts are and have been with you
Robert Schwartz
Ted
Hi it has been a very long time. I am so very sorry to hear about your wife. Howard Silvers was in my store and we were talking about you and Bucci from Drexel. My deepest sympathy and well wishes to you and your family. Robert Schwartz. SAE
Jean Buzzard
Girlfriend! My heart is heavy for your family. What a fun time we all had together. That part of my life is so special to me. We were best buds for awhile. I will miss you my friend. Love Jean xo
Helen
Saying I am so sorry to hear that Marlene passed away does not cover it
Every time I saw Marlene she was smiling and happy. She always made me laugh
My thoughts and prayers to to the whole family
Dave Benson
I am sad to hear this. All my condolences to her family during this difficult time. Will always remember her smile and personality. Rest easy Marlene.
Stacey OBrien Eadie
Ted I am so sorry to hear this news!
Marlene will always be part of my fondest memories as neighbors on Waverly road.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Stacey
Loretta T Simpson
Ted, I am shocked and saddened to hear of Marlene’s passing. I have many fond memories from Waverly Road of both you and her. God bless you. Loretta (Connor) Simpson
Diamond Hannah
To the Fiala Family,
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I am so deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Fiala. She was always so kind, sweet, and fun. I’m grateful I met her through playing club volleyball with Rhiannon at PSU. She welcomed me and our team members into her home with open arms. I am truly devastated by this news.
Love,
Diamond
Penne Finkley
Deepest condolences to Ted Rhiannon Toby Jack and the entire Dignan family, Marlene will be missed ❤️
RIP Myrtle😘
Jamie Pruitt
Thank you for allowing me to come say goodbye to my dear friend. I will never be the same after loosing such a dear person. Growing up with the best memories in Todd Estates. Your Mom always encouraged me and accepted me. The laughter we shared all these years will be missed so much. Rhiannan – I know you are at a loss. Just remember everything your mom taught you and teach Zoey those same things. Trust me your Mom will be with you and guide you. She was so in love with Zoey. To all of you – I know you are suffering. Remember though, your Mom/Wife/Sister would want you to still be happy. That was her gift to make others happy. Marlene will be the one that greets us all when we enter the gates of Heaven. She’ll have that big smile. I love you my friend. Jamie (Pumpkin/Country Girl)
Dorothy Hoilman
I’m not sure I can even picture Marlene without her smile. She was gracious , kind, generous, and funny. It’s been years since we’ve seen each other, but she is very easy to remember. May God bless and comfort Ted and your family . Love, Dorothy
Sarah Good
Dear Fiala Family,
It is so hard to find the words to express the sadness we feel for your family. Marlene was always so gracious when I ran into her in the community. We also had many fun times together when our children played football. She was so proud of her children and her grand baby. I hope you find some peace during this difficult time. We are all thinking about you.
Sarah Fahey Good, Ben and Jill Fahey
Megan
This poem (The Dash) still sits on its same stand as it did the first time I cleaned its home. I recall dusting it and reading it. I even posted about it after its very first dusting because it touched me so much! I have dusted the same poem bi-weekly for almost 6 years, every time reading it and smiling.
This poem flashed before me as I found out this heartbreaking news.
She lived her dash amazingly. She did for everyone before herself. She treated my kids and I as her own family. She was literally my second mom, an amazing friend, a confidant, my 3.5 hour bi-weekly therapist during the toughest times in my divorce, my kidney stone pal, and the most loving, supportive, and kindest soul one could meet. She gave my kids gifts (all the time) and took them on jeep rides and adventures to McDonalds. She was simply amazing.
The next time I dust this poem, it won’t be the same. She will not be there and only the memory of her dash will remain. ❤️❤️💔😪
Ted, Rhi, Toby, Jack, and Zoey….. you were all the center of her life, in more ways than you will ever know. Every visit she always boosted about all of you. She was so proud of each of you!!! Holding you all in my heart. Your mom/wife/mimi was the best soul to ever touch my family’s lives. She will be missed always but remembered forever! ❤️
Ray Hart
Ted, So Sorry for your loss! My Condolences to you and your Family! I will keep your Family in my prayers.
Lauren Alderman
My condolences to the family. She was the nicest person and will be sadly missed !!
Lauren
CARLOS R MENENDEZ
Ted – both you and Marlene were key contributors for the community of West Grove during our children’s early sports development years. I have a great deal of fond memories of time spent together during all the practices and games in which you both enthusiastically dedicated your time and effort. Both of you set the stage and example of what great parenting looks like. These are forever memories that me Nicolas and Jaclyn will carry with us. I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you and your family.
Tim Flynn
I am heartbroken over your loss.
We will keep Marlene and your family in our prayers!
God Bless!
JOHN NEWMAN
So sad to learn of Marlene’s sudden passing. My prayers and condolences go to each member of her extended family. She was always so kind to me and her quick smile a bright light making great memories of our childhood days in Newark. Much Love and Prayers to all her family, John
Wallace Grant
Hello Ted,
I am so sorry for your loss; I am wishing you and your family the best in this sadden time.
Stay strong and God Bless you and your entire family.
Paula Records Smith
My sincere sympathies to the Dignan family. I remember Marlene growing up in Todd Estates. She always had the sweetest, biggest smile. I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope your wonderful memories of her can bring you some comfort.
Annmarie
I loved Marlene’s smile! Loved her quick witted sense of humor!
So deeply sorry to all of you 💔
She will be sorely missed.
Sending so much love to the Fiala family and the Dignan family.
Michelle Hoffman
We are so sorry to hear this! Loved Marlene and the entire family. Saying prayers for everyone.
Marc Bendo
To the Fiala family – So very sorry for your loss. Marlene will be truly missed.
Andreas & Anja Fiolka/ Ebbecke
Lieber Ted, Rhiannon , Toby und Jack,
wir sind sehr traurig über Marlenes plötzlichen Tod. Marlenes Freundschaft bei unseren Besuchen werden wir nie vergessen.
Fühlt Euch gedrückt und wir denken an Euch ❤️
Dale Hipkins
My Condolences to the family. You will be in my prayers. When I think of Marlene I think of the times watching the Volleyball games on Friday afternoon at GHS.
Valerie Layne
I am so sorry for your loss. Such a lovely person.
Timothy DeGroot
Ted and family, my heart breaks for you all. Marlene was such a beautiful woman. I remember the day Ted told me about their first date like it was yesterday. I was so happy for them, then when I met her, I knew they were rich with love.
I was honored to participate in their wedding.
I don’t know anyone who knew her who didn’t love her, myself included!
You’re all in my prayers.
Tim
Stacey Whiteman
I’m really beyond words. Peyton reached out to let me know. It’s taken me a day or so to put it into words what I wanted to say. People come into your lives and some make a difference. Marlene and your family are just that. It’s not only your own parenting but the good people that surround you that make good adults. My children are better people because of Marlene and her family. I’m positive that anyone that knew her is a better person because of that. I was lucky enough to run into Marlene at the store and keep in touch after the kids graduated.I loved seeing the pictures of you all and she was so proud to share. She was a super light spirit and I was always happy to see her and catch up. I’m thinking and praying for all of you at this time. She will be missed.
Martina Fiolka
Lieber Ted -Rhiannon – Toby – Jack
der plötzliche Tod von Marlene war ein Schock. Gerne hätte ich Euch noch einmal zu Besuch in Oldendorf gesehen. Ich bin sehr traurig. Ich umarme Euch und wünsche Euch viel Kraft.
Diane & Joe Smith
Ted and Family, We are saddened by the news of Arlene’s passing and have been keeping your family in our prayers. Marlene was a lovely woman, and it has been a pleasure to be her neighbor and to get to know her. She was so proud of her family and thrilled to be a grandmother to her daughter’s baby. May your many good memories sustain you as you grieve this great loss. Diane & Joe Smith
Richard & Tracy Shearer
Our hearts go out to our friends Toby & Jamie and family, we are so sorry for your loss.
Emily J. Ciancio
I did not know Marlene for long but she was always smiling at the BHHS office. My condolences to her family.
Jean Ann Rogalewicz Crowe
The Fiala family, I don’t even know what to say. I just this minute saw on fb that your mom died. I have known her since grade school, then my son Billy coached Toby, then Kenny n Jack went to Sallies together. You are all in My thoughts n prayers, she was truly one of a kind🙏🏻🙏🏻😇😇
Darlene Regan
We were very sorry to hear about Marlene, she was such a nice person. We enjoyed being neighbors when we used to live in Landenberg. Our hearts go out to all of her family and close friends.
Margaret Bartoli
I am shocked to hear of Marlene’s passing. I just found out today or would have sent condolences sooner. I am so sorry for your lose and now you have more sadness to endure. May God bless you and give you some peace in your grief.