Marlene Ida Blair

Marlene Ida Blair (nee Garni) passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the age of 79. She was born in Milwaukee to parents Bruce “Bruno” and Theresa (nee Miller) Garni on July 9, 1945. She was one of two siblings. After graduating from Messmer High School, Marlene married the love of her life, her teenage sweetheart George Blair on August 28, 1965. A business owner, she owned a janitorial service and worked as a private secretary for Aetna Insurance. Marlene was a gifted musician who enjoyed playing piano at St. Ann’s Nursing home and providing music therapy to those in need. She was also a great bowler and golfer, with a love for cooking and baking. Family was important to Marlene, and she enjoyed spending time with them and attending her grandkids’ sporting events, band concerts, communions & confirmations. Marlene also devoted many years giving back to the community by volunteering at the Waukesha Food Pantry for 32 years. Marlene was a woman of faith and will be missed by many.

She is survived by her loving husband of almost 60 years, George Blair; children Brett (Tracy) Blair and Joel (Kelly) Blair; grandchildren Zach, Rachael, Josh, Heather, Matt, Anthony, Jack, and Anna Blair; sisters-in-law Betty Garni and Janet Harding and further survived by dozens of nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends. Marlene is preceded in death by her brother Erhard Garni, and parents.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Elmbrook Hospital/Sherman Cancer Center, as well as the caregivers of St. Croix Hospice who lovingly made Marlene comfortable.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 818 N. East Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186 from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Following Mass inurnment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. A luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Waukesha Food Pantry (https://www.waukeshafoodpantry.org/get_involved/give/).