Pittsford, NY: It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Marlene Caroselli reveals her passing after a brief illness. Survived by siblings Dominick and Patricia, and several nephews and nieces, she was predeceased by parents Patrick and Elvira Caroselli, and sisters Linda Edison and Germaine Froehlich.
Upon graduating from SUNY Albany in 1967, Marlene began teaching high school English in Rochester’s inner city. With her lilting voice and quick wit, she was a natural as a teacher and received numerous awards and accolades for her classroom expertise. After earning her doctorate in Education and Human Development from the University of Rochester, she took a year’s leave of absence to recuperate in California. The “recuperation” lasted fourteen years, during which she worked as a manager for a commercial property firm and taught at Fortune 100 companies and federal agencies, here and abroad. She was the author of over sixty books on business topics such as leadership. At heart a writer and an artist, there was nothing more captivating to her than a blank page or canvas. In retirement, reflective of her generous spirit and inclusive nature, she worked with many local charities on their fundraising efforts, including
St. Peter’s Soup Kitchen https://stpeterskitchen.org/
The Open Door Mission https://opendoormission.com/ and
Hope Hall https://hopehall.org/
Memorial donations may be made in her honor.
So very sorry to hear of Marlene’s unexpected passing. She was a neighbor and I had the privilege of enjoying many of her wonderful luncheons. Certainly a remarkable woman who made a huge contribution to society and our world. God have mercy on her soul and wrap her in His loving arms. Joan Atwell
Marlene was our neighbor and was a gracious and generous person. We loved being invited to her numerous brunches and luncheons. We met many people at her home. She had such the wonderful ability to connect us and form relationships. She had a big mind, a big heart, and a big soul. I will miss her presence, her spirit, her wisdom, and her love.
Mark Brewer and Rich McGowan
I am shocked to learn of Marlene’s passing. I had the special joy of working as a subcontracting business trainer for Marlene for one of her clients–the U.S. Navy–for many years. I had opportunities to present training on a whole range of topics under Marlene’s guidance and encouragement, and I’m grateful for all I learned from her.
Over the years (almost 20) I enjoyed a remote friendship with Marlene (she was on the East Coast and I on the West). I especially appreciated receiving her beautiful, handmade cards with her gorgeous calligraphy. She was very organized and thoughtfully remembered my birthday and other special occasions. She loved staying in touch through her creative correspondence and cards, which I still have and will always treasure.
Marlene was a creative, kind, giving person and a Renaissance woman in many ways. I can’t believe she’s no longer with us. I will miss her spirit and friendship.
Susan Silver, Los Angeles
I met Marlene in 1953 when I came to # 43 school in the 5th grade, and went through high school with her. I only met her quite accidentally twice since graduating.
I can’t say we were close friends in our school years; we were ‘cut from a different clothe” so to speak. She a quiet serious student and me anything but.
Nevertheless, it speaks volumes to the force of her ‘quiet’ personality that news of her passing triggered a kaleidoscope of memories. Amazingly, a person with whom I had so little direct personal interaction could conjure a feeling of profound loss of a dear ‘friend.’
I was sorry to read about Marlene’s passing. I didn’t know her very long, only the high school years. She was a very intelligent & friendly person. I know she will be greatly missed be her family & many friends.
Mary Ann Abbott Grassi
We have just learned of Marlene’s passing. It is with a heavy heart, but with much gratitude for the life of our marvelous Marlene, we join the many,many people whose lives have been touched and enriched by this gifted, gracious,,generous woman. Marlene’s creativity seemed boundless and it has filled the lives of those blessed to share her world. Marlene has left us too soon and is a huge loss. We all are now reaching into the special place in our hearts where Marlene lives and will remain. Our caring thoughts go out to you. Fondly, Bob and Bonnie Marinetti
Miss Caroselli, was my English teacher at Jefferson High school 9th and 10th grade. She used to invite some of her students over for luncheon’s when she used to live in the city. We keep in touch even after I graduated from high school. She had a way with her students and the way she connected with them. She had such a big heart she even stop by the hospital after I had brain surgery. This is such a big loss I will always remember how you treated me R.I.P. til we meet again. Miss MArisa Penna
My husband Ray and I met Marlene over 10 years ago when she contributed to fundraisers for Penfield Habita for Humanity. Ever since then, we have remained friends. Marlene was such an accomplished person, but she had a way of making everyone feel important. Her lovely, generous, creative spirit and ability to connect with so many people endearted her to all. We can’t tell you how much her friendship meant to us. I had a very special connection with her that is hard to achieve in anyone’s lifetime. I helped her with donations to her non profit causes, and will continue to honor Marlene by focusing on helping some of these organizations. Marlene, I will miss you so much. There is a special place in my heart for you, and so many wonderful memories. Rest in peace, my soul sister! Love, Valerie Griswold
My mother, Anne (Cianciosi) Viggiani was so sad to hear of Marlene’s passing. Marlene used to send her letters and the envelopes were beautiful works of art. It was always a great day when one of Marlene’s letters arrived! My mom taught Marlene at Jefferson High School, and remembers how smart she was and what a great student. I can’t remember if I was able to meet her at one of the luncheons, but I know that she was very special to my Mom, which makes her special to my whole family.
With much love,
Mary and Joanie Viggiani for Anne Viggiani
I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of my brilliant friend Marlene. I treasured our friendship. I first met Marlene when she came to the Breast Cancer Coalition to deliver artwork for our gala, ARTrageous Affair. Her smoky air, sultry voice, command of language… so poetic… and wild white hair left me spellbound. And each year, she would call to make arrangements to drop off multiple items for this gala. She also adopted our survivor community. She would frequently drop off 25-30 bags, artfully decorated, loaded with myriad handmade treats. I will always remember her tender joy. I was lucky enough to be included in wonderful luncheons at her home, and the recipient of many spectacular pieces of artwork in the form of cards and letters. I last heard from her just a short time ago. She was grieving the loss of her beautiful, talented sister Germaine. These two losses, so close together, are unfathomable to imagine for this family. I mourn the loss of my dear friend… generous heart… ambassador of dreams…. midwife to my soul. May the angels meet Marlene and carry her home.
We are so terribly saddened to learn of the passing of Marlene. I first met Marlene as the sister to my elementary school friend Germain. Many years later I was blessed to meet her again as I began my teaching career at Jefferson H,S. She was always a poised, kind, gracious, helpful, compassionate and loving person. The years brought us our separate ways, but the memories of Marlene and Germain are fresh and vivid. I miss them both.
My heart is broken to have learned of Marlene’s passing today. I met Marlene in 2011 when we were selected out of 136 volunteers to decorate the White House for the Christmas holiday. We spent six days in Washington, DC and getting to know Marlene was a gift. Guess we connected in part due to our shared Italian background. She became a guiding force in my life during the nine years of our friendship. Marlene was the amazing educator and author and I was a small business caterer. We shared the love of food and entertaining and she loved hearing my Thanksgiving stories of my Macy’s celebrity encounters. Marlene would always push me to branch out into public speaking because she believed in me more than I believed in myself. We called each other “sorella” which translates to “sister” in Italian. There is a hole in my heart and our treasured memories will always bring a smile to my face. May God wrap his loving arms around her and shine his everlasting light upon her.
My condolences to the Caroselli family.
I only heard of Marlene’s passing last night as I had been overseas and arrived back in time to be locked down. Marlene and I met at the Y last year and very quickly became water walking buddies. We enjoyed such spirited conversation and companionship as we “walked” together. She quickly became my dearest Y friend, encourager, challenger, companion and highlight of each visit to the pool and hot tub. I have missed her dearly these last months and am heartbroken that we will not be meeting at the Y or for a luncheon any time soon. Marlene, you have left a huge void. Your beautiful personality, sparkle and encouragement are just a few of the things I will miss dearly. Your many beautiful works of art in the form of cards and notes in the post are little gifts I will always treasure. I can hardly believe I only knew you for just over a year as you have filled my heart with such dear friendship and love, thank you my friend, May you rest in peace, in the loving arms of Jesus
Dominick and Dolda. I am so very sorry for your loss. Love you both. My sincere condolences. This has been a very sad time…
Marlene and I connected years ago through our mutual love of art at an open house event. Some years later she invited my wife and I to attend one of her brunches at her Pittsford home, and that was really the beginning of a long time relationship with us. A more kind hearted and beautiful person you would be hard pressed to find. Marlene had a wonderful way of making everyone feel important, talented and worthy of praise. She will surely be missed by all who came to know her. Sincere condolences to her family.
It has nearly been a year and you are in my mind daily. My “sorella”, my only sorella, you will be in my heart forever.
With love and sadness,
I can hardly believe that a whole year has gone by but I have to say that almost each day I have thought of Marlene, my dear friend.
Even though we were only friends for a year, my days were brightened, my mind was challenged and I was inspired.
Marlene saw such hope and potential in me and she was my greatest encourager during a rough winter.
I will always be thankful for the smiles, chats and new friendship as we exercised our achy bodies at the pool. I miss you Marlene and I know you were the kind of person that was a genuine friend and teacher to many. You are an inspiration.