Obituary: Marlene Ann DeFreest
May 24, 1932 - October 26, 2023
October 28, 2023 
Marlene Ann DeFreest, 1932-2023. Courtesy photo
Marlene Ann (Farrow) DeFreest, 91, of Warren, Vermont, passed away in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, October 26.
She was born on May 24, 1932 in Barnet, Vermont, the daughter of Ira and Clara (Dopp) Farrow, of Ryegate, Vermont.
Marlene attended the University of Vermont and Keene State College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. At UVM, she roomed with Kathleen DeFreest and was introduced to David DeFreest of Warren, Vermont. Even though she vowed she would never marry a farmer (while chasing loose cows as a girl) she and David were so smitten that they were engaged after two dates. The couple were married in North Ryegate on February 20, 1954.
Marlene gave birth to 10 children over a span of 10 years. She was constantly driving, taking us to what seemed like the ends of the Earth, for school events, tractor parts, family happenings, or for someone in need.
She kept good rhythm as we practiced our sometimes musical instruments, while knitting sets of mittens and hats, making homemade Christmas cards, and being there for everyone all of the time. You were fortunate to sample her homemade biscuits, chicken pot pie, baked beans and peanut butter fudge.
She shared with us all her love of gardening, music, sweet treats, limericks, Scrabble and every kind of puzzle. No picture would be complete without mentioning her love of coffee. Throughout all of her days, each activity was accompanied by a constant cup, as well as a rather colorful story, song or poem.
Marlene was completely dedicated to her family, teaching us the value of honesty and hard work sprinkled with humor, as well as individualism, as she stayed true to herself her whole life, even as she breathed her last breath, leaving this world with grace and dignity.
She was involved in local organizations such as the PTA, Home Dem, the Harwood Booster Club and the Farm Bureau, but perhaps she was better known locally as one of the “Lister Sisters,” when she worked as a Warren town lister for 15 years with her “partner in crime” and dear friend Sandra Brodeur.
Marlene was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, David (2006), a sister Inez (1972) a brother Hugh (1999), son-in-law Steve Lovely (2007), and granddaughter Jillian DeFreest Weaver (2019).
She is survived by her sister Marie Forehan, age 97, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; her children Dorothy Lovely of Montpelier, June DeFreest of Warren, Ruth DeFreest and her partner Dick Tonino of Burlington, David DeFreest II of Warren, Ted DeFreest and his wife Tammy of Monroe, New Hampshire, Tom DeFreest of Warren, Peter DeFreest and his wife Marnie of Warren, Dixie Krusch of Warren, Joyce DeFreest and her husband Duain Abbott of Victor, Montana, and Janet DeFreest Gillen and her husband Fred of Duxbury. She also leaves 18 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and three more are on the way.
A celebration of Marlene’s life will be held on Sunday, November 5, at 2 p.m. in Waitsfield, Vermont, at The Round Barn Farm, 1661 E Warren Rd.
Memorial gifts can be made to Mad River Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 305, Waitsfield, VT 05673, or to the Mad River Community Fund, P.O. Box 353, Waitsfield, VT 05673.
Arrangements are in the care of Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury.