Marin County

Marlene Suttles, aged 83, passed away on August 12, 2024, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of love, kindness, and adventure. Born to Thomaso LaMantea of Calabria, Italy, and Molly Perushek, of Minnesota, Marlene lived a life filled with passion, strength, and a boundless sense of curiosity.

Born with a nurturing spirit, she instilled in her children the values of hard work, compassion, and resilience. Her role as a mother was only one facet of her remarkable life.

She attended Saint Anselm's Elementary School, Marin Catholic High School, and the College of Marin, where she cultivated a love for learning and adventure. Marlene’s adventurous spirit led her to explore various thrilling activities –she enjoyed flying in biplanes, gliders, WWII vintage war planes and even had the incredible experience of copiloting an MiG jet. Always seeking excitement, she also enjoyed bungee jumping, was a certified scuba diver, always looked forward to lunch with the other fireman’s wife, loved water skiing and camping, and foraging for mushrooms in the winter months. All of which was cut short due to her medical condition.

Music was another important part of Marlene’s life. She learned to play the piano at an early age. She possessed a beautiful singing voice and sang in a choir alongside her dear friend Judy Lewis. On a dare, I bet her to sing a couple sets with a jazz quintet and they asked her to return the following night for another song.

Her creativity extended to her professional life as well. Along with her husband, Robert Suttles, they owned and operated the first video game arcade in Marin County called Starbase One in San Rafael, California. Marlene loved managing the arcade, creating a safe environment for teens, repairing video games and pinball machines, and writing articles for the video gaming industry – a true pioneer in her field. Later in life, Marlene took over Evelyn Porter’s health food store in Novato, California, successfully running it before retiring.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Marlene’s true legacy lies in the lives she touched with her kindness. She was always ready to lend a helping hand, offer a listening ear, or share a warm smile. Her giving nature made her a cherished friend, beloved mother, and respected community member.

Marlene was a fighter who survived a brain tumor and cancer. Despite suffering a surgical accident, along with a stroke and dementia later in life, Marlene’s spirit remained strong until her passing. Marlene’s memory will forever be treasured by her children Jeremy (Ladona), Daniel Burke, her grandson Darick Burke (Robert Burke deceased), and those who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind her husband of 57 years, brother-in-law Tony Suttles (Solange), and nephew Bruno Suttles with his wife Megan Suttles, sister Fraces Lassiter, and nephew Greg Kerr, and a world made better by her presence, she will be dearly missed.