Marlene ‘Nonna’ McKenna (30 Nov 1947 - 8 Aug 2026)

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Marlene

£1,000.00 + Gift Aid of £231.25
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Location
Vinter's Park Crematorium Bearsted Road Maidstone ME14 5LG
Date
3rd Sep 2026
Time
1pm
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Marlene ‘Nonna’ was sunshine in human form—warm, loving, full of fun and able to brighten the lives of everyone around her.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland—a place that always remained close to her heart—Marlene had a deep love for her parents. She loved and cared for her wee mum, Marion, until the very end of her life, even though Marlene herself was unwell. Marlene also adored her dad, Robert, whom she often spoke of and remembered with great affection.

Marlene met John at Butlin’s, beginning a life together that would span more than 60 years, with their diamond wedding anniversary just one month away. Marlene was John’s life, and John was Marlene’s. They had their differences, but that was all part of being Marlene and John. Together, they weathered life’s ups and downs and created the most wonderful family—proving that, through everything, love conquers all.

Marlene was a much-loved mum to Angela and Lucie, a proud Nonna to Ross, Sophie, Mia, Ellis and Anya, and a treasured Wee-Non to Esmee, Tallulah, Leo and Lenny. Family was what life was all about for Marlene, and she was happiest when surrounded by the people she loved.

She enjoyed being in the garden, going on family holidays and bringing everyone together—especially at Christmas, her favourite time of year. Marlene loved dancing and singing and was known for her wonderfully quick wit, hysterical observations and often totally inappropriate comments—she had a natural ability to make everyone laugh, often without even trying.

She also adored her dogs, Dolly and Buddy, as well as Luna and Bear, who were all very much part of her family.

Marlene truly loved life and appreciated the very best of everything—even though, in her own wonderfully unique way, absolutely everything could still be described as “HELLISH”! It was one of her favourite expressions and will forever bring a smile to the faces of those who knew and loved her.

We take solace in the thought that our little treasure is now dancing with the angels.

We will miss her every minute of every day for as long as we live. Nothing and no one could ever replace her. But to all those who loved Marlene, please do not dwell only on the sadness. Instead, remember the happiness, compassion and love she brought into our lives.

Marlene simply loved you all. ❤️

Dianne Hardiman donated in memory of Marlene

For Marlene, my lovely cousin. Love to John, Angela, Lucy and all the family xxxx

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Natasha Hughes donated £50 in memory of Marlene

You may have been small in stature but you were definitely mighty in heart ❤️ xx
May you rest in perfect peace watching over your beautiful family who you loved so dearly xx
So many fond memories of Marbs, of you looking after the kids and keeping John in check!!
We hope you are dancing with the Angels, love always Richard, Tash and Maya King xxx

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Louisa & Jack O'Donnell donated in memory of Marlene
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Dave Tobin posted a picture
Rea adoring Marlene in Cyprus

Rea adoring Marlene in Cyprus

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Dave Tobin donated £25 in memory of Marlene

No party will ever be the same without you : you were so hilarious and you didn’t know it which made you so much more fun and adorable
I loved your positivity, your warmth and your devotion to your family
You were very special and incredibly loveable
Rest in peace beautiful Marlene
Heaven is very fortunate to have you, but our Earth is missing an angel xxxx Rea x

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Dave Tobin lit a candle
Dave Tobin donated £30 in memory of Marlene

Marlene may have been small in stature but was mighty in life. I will miss her so very much but feel so honoured to have known and loved her. God bless you our darling Marlene ❤️❤️

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Sophie Mckenna posted a picture
Nonna you the best there was…. We so blessed to have you as our nonna ❤️

Nonna you the best there was…. We so blessed to have you as our nonna ❤️

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Ross Mckenna posted a picture
Your family loves you more than ever love you Nonna

Your family loves you more than ever love you Nonna

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Karen Elsmere donated in memory of Marlene
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Kristina Smalinsky donated £25 in memory of Marlene

Marlene I have such fond memories of you - many long lunches with our friends, having real belly laughs - lots of fun times over the years.
Rest in peace xxx

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Sophie Osman posted a picture
Beautiful wee Nonna ❤️

Beautiful wee Nonna ❤️

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Kelly & Richard Evans wrote

Marlene, you lit up the room with your infectious personality, giving John as good as he gave..many laughs with you (The Ferret). With your warming smile you always paid interest in everyone and most of all put your family first and enjoyed every event in their lives. You’ll leave a space in everyone’s lives that can never truly be filled xxx

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Richard & Kelly Evans is attending the funeral
Kelly Evans donated £100 in memory of Marlene
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Ellis mckenna-bruce posted a picture
Missing your smile and cuddles more then anything 😭❤️

Missing your smile and cuddles more then anything 😭❤️

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Ellis mckenna-bruce posted a picture
❤️❤️❤️

❤️❤️❤️

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Ellis McKenna-Bruce posted a picture
Oh nonna I can’t even put into words how much I miss you everyday but you are forever in our heart, life is more dull without you but I know you are watching down on everyone and I hope to continue to make you proud everyday! I love you 🕊️❤️

Oh nonna I can’t even put into words how much I miss you everyday but you are forever in our heart, life is more dull without you but I know you are watching down on everyone and I hope to continue to make you proud everyday! I love you 🕊️❤️

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Ross Mckenna posted a picture
Me and Nonna :)

Me and Nonna :)

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Lucie Mckenna posted a picture
Your beautiful mum and her beautiful mum… we had lots of generations….. such love ❤️

Your beautiful mum and her beautiful mum… we had lots of generations….. such love ❤️

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Lucie Mckenna posted a picture
Old friends, wonderful memories ❤️

Old friends, wonderful memories ❤️

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Angela McKenna-Bruce posted a picture
Almost 60 years ago 🤍

Almost 60 years ago 🤍

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Liz Cannon donated £30 in memory of Marlene

Thinking always of my lovely friend Marlene and all the happy times we shared together. We met at work when I was 20, and I can still remember how much we laughed.
I will always miss her very much.

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Ricky Smith wrote

I only met Marlene once at Mia’s baby shower and she greeted my wife and I with welcoming arms and warm smile.

This simple act, gave us an immediate sense of value and belonging.

She talked to to us at various times throughout the afternoon which radiated, such a friendly feeling, that stayed with us all afternoon

This sunshine spirit runs through the family and will illuminate the journey for generations of McKennas to come.

“ Humble but Strong “

Love and Respect forever.

The Smiths ❤️🔥

.

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Lucie Mckenna posted a picture
My world 💕

My world 💕

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John and Pauline Hersey-Walker is attending the funeral
Nic Lawrence lit a candle
Nic Lawrence is attending the funeral
Sally Essex donated £50 in memory of Marlene

What amazing work you do for end of life care thank you all x

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Natalie Parnell lit a candle