Marlene Estelle Martelli, 79, of Oakdale, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Marlene's beautiful life began on March 5, 1945, in Trafford, PA, as she was born to the late Daniel and Ann (Rantovich) Petrovich into the Serbian Orthodox faith. She was preceded in death by siblings, Sylvia, Marvin 'Mike' (Patricia), Daniel (Kathleen), and George (Jane). She was forever connected to her siblings and desperately missed each one upon their passing. Marlene is survived by the love of her life, her best friend, and husband of 57 years, David J. Martelli, Sr. Marlene and David began their married lives together in 1967 in Alexandria, VA, and welcomed three children during their time there. Marlene was the adoring mother to Anna Marie Cavolo (Joseph), David John (Dana), and Michelle Ocheltree (Leif). Upon returning to Pittsburgh in the early '80s, Marlene became a fixture at St. Martin Grade School, where her children attended elementary school. She rarely missed a basketball, softball, or baseball game and was always happy to volunteer her time. She became a 'second mother' to countless friends of her children, and she could always be counted on to make a most amazing sandwich, crack a joke, and offer a giant hug. Marlene often expressed her affection for others through cooking and baking, making the most complicated recipes look effortless. She created intricately decorated cookies and cakes that were worthy of a magazine cover. She obsessed over, and personally constructed, quite a few wedding cakes for family and friends. Everything she made was done with absolute love and joy. Marlene came from a long line of strong Serbian women. She was firm in her beliefs and loyal to her family. Colorful, artistic, and constant, she was the organizer of decades worth of holiday gatherings. There was never a shortage of food, love, and laughter with Marlene as the host. Marlene loved her husband and children with her entire soul, and she cherished every moment with her nine grandchildren. She was ecstatic over the thought of meeting her first great-granddaughter in August of 2024, and loved her many nieces and nephews deeply. Marlene had many friends and shared particularly special bonds with Mimi, Joann, Linda, Shirley, and Ruby. Marlene was a caregiver by nature, and it was the privilege and honor of her husband and family to return that care to her in the last years of her life. Marlene went to the Lord on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024. She passed peacefully in the home that she and David designed and built together nearly 30 years ago. It was a home fueled by happiness, faith, love, and compassion. Her family enveloped her with the very same happiness, faith, love, and compassion at the time of her earthly death. David held Marlene's hand during her last breath, telling her that '57 years wasn't long enough.'. We know that life is eternal through Christ, and Marlene will be dearly missed until we meet again in heaven. The family wishes to express gratitude for the outpouring of love and support by their friends and extended family. A special thanks is given to Gallagher Hospice for their extraordinary care in her final weeks. Friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2024, at the PITTSBURGH CREMATION AND FUNERAL CARE, 5405 Steubenville Pike, Robinson Township, PA 15136. Family and friends will gather on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12 p.m., at St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church, 2200 Irwin Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001, with Father Njegos Perkovic officiating. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Moon Township, PA. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.