Marlene Dennis sadly passed away on September 27, 2022, at the age of 75. She graduated in the class of 1964 from Western High School in Auburn, Michigan. Well-traveled, she eventually settled herself in Tampa over 23 years ago after spending time in Texas, North Carolina, Colorado and St. Petersburg, FL.
Marlene was a hairstylist before ultimately landing in interior design, fitting for her unique personality and innate desire to beautify anything and everything in her path. Her passion for design led to a flourishing career as a Manufacturer’s Representative, eventually founding D&G Hospitality Sales Associates, a successful company that thrived for over 20 years before recently transforming into D&J Hospitality Associates.
She was committed to her career; her passion for both the industry and its art shined through all of her projects. Beloved by her clients and customers, most of whom turned friends, she and her talents were raved about. When she wasn’t tending to her work, Marlene could be found doting on her four-legged children, Love and later Dolly, whom she spoiled rotten, or working out in the gym. There wasn’t much that would keep her off the spin-bikes.
Those lucky enough to have met Marlene agree that to have known her is to have loved her and will remember her for her impeccable style, exquisite taste, remarkable southern cooking, and her inspiring, unwavering spunk. She was at her best when entertaining and enjoying good times; especially during the holidays, when she could display her home décor, complete with a Christmas Tree adorned so beautifully it was featured in regional magazines. She made everything an art, including gluten-free eating and drinking, and she truly left behind a trail of sparkle everywhere she went.
Marlene leaves behind cousins, her precious dog Dolly, neighbors, friends, and her “second” family: Silvia and Wilson Osorno, and their sons Jonathan and Joseph, and grandson Joshua, whom she loved dearly and all who loved and adored her. She will be laid to rest in Raleigh, NC at Montlawn Memorial Park next to her father Herbert Sidney Privett.
4 Comments
The Ruth Family
Marlene will be missed. She was our neighbor and dear friend for over 23 years. So many memories of wonderful times with her. The holidays won’t be the same without her. I don’t think we’ll ever eat a shrimp without thinking of her! Rest in eternal peace dear Marlene.
Jill Henneberg Ehrlich
I only had the pleasure of knowing Marlene for a short time but I found her to be so much larger than life – the color she brought to every conversation was always welcomed and fun. She will be missed.
Jeanette Brewer
Since the day I heard that Marlene had died my heart has been saddened. We had lunch with her only two weeks before her passing. Both Delayna and I looked at her samples goods she had in her car trunk. That was Marlene, always selling and showing what was new for the season. We also had the honor of being invited for her dinners she had during the Christmas holidays. Everything always looked so beautiful.
I have a photo of the tree she had for all to experience. She is so missed. We hade wonderful love and memories that we shared for the past thirty years we knew her in the hospitality business. Fly beautiful Angel into the peace of the other side of life. I hope Love is with you now 💖💖.too!!
Jeanette and Delayna
Annie Everett
Marlene and I became close very quickly after I moved in across the street from her in 2017. For a few years I was either at her house or her at mine every single day. I often told her that we should write a book about her life, because she had loved 1000 lives all in one. We had been through some very hard times together. I’m very heartbroken to know I won’t see the sparkle in her eyes, hear her laugh, or shout for Dolly. I’m grateful my last text from her was us telling one another that we loved each other.