Marcene Albers

She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandma, great grandma, friend, and volunteer.  And we all loved her dearly. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Homer of 62 years and oldest son, Steve who is survived by Steve’s wife Donna. Marcene and Homer’s legacy includes their four sons and their wives: Randy (Julie), Bill (Sande), Joe (Linda), Jeff (Kim): nine grandchildren: Chris (Tiffani), Ashley, Jordon (Mallorie), Brady, Alexandria, Jesse (Sarah), Joel, JT (Amanda), Tori, and six great grandchildren: Brayden, Levi, Jackson, Cambrie, Jameson and Mia.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 5, 1930, she celebrated her birthday with many Cinco de Mayo themed parties.   Her parents, Bernice and Morris Burdge, relished their first born, a delightful and precocious daughter and big sister to Brother Tom.  Her fate was determined early when she met her beloved Homer at age 8, as next door neighbors.  Beings that her Father was a Mississippi River boat captain, Marcene, her Mother and Brother spent her formative years enjoying visits along the mighty Mississippi from Keokuk, Iowa to Warsaw and Rochelle, Illinois.  She learned to drive at 13, just one of many examples of her self-confidence fueled by a deep-seated independent streak she exhibited even in her last breaths with us. She and Homer married on April Fool’s Day, 1951, while Homer was on a brief leave from his military service in the Korean war. 

Early on, she taught school until raising her boy brood and enjoying life with Homer demanded all her attention.  She followed Homer from Illinois to Longview, Washington in 1962, five boys in tow with Jeff only one month old at the time.  The Family moved from Longview to Oakbrook in 1969, later moving to Gig Harbor with beautiful views of the Sound from their condo across the bridge and the family cabin they bought in Longbranch in 1971, with Homer’s brother, Ferris.

Family was always her first priority and her biggest joy.  Holidays were wild and loving, filled with delicious food and beer ball punch, amusing conversation, and an occasional broken lamp.  Boys will be boys, no matter their age.  She found the time and the energy to enjoy cooking, volunteer, and learn bridge, with Homer who was a District Manager for the Equitable.  She and Homer traveled the World, from the Great Wall of China to places throughout Europe on cruises, planes and camels.  She loved the warm sunny beaches of Hawaii, surrounded by family.  They were active members of the Gig Harbor Welcome Club; Marcene enjoyed bunco with friends, and volunteered for the Penrose Orthopedic Guild. 

It breaks our hearts to say goodbye, but we know her spirit lives on in each of us as her smile lights our way.  Join us for a Celebration of Marcene’s Life on Wednesday, July 5 at 2:00 p.m. at the Haven of Rest Memorial Park, 8503 SR 16 NW, Gig Harbor.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mary Bridge or Seattle Children’s Hospitals.  Please, share your memories with all of us.            

 Service Information