Marlene Kay Reitz

Marlene Kay Reitz of Trumansburg passed away on December 9, 2025, at Cayuga Medical Center at the age of 82.

Marlene was born in Batavia, New York with her twin sister, Eillean, on November 19, 1943, daughters to the late Orrin and Rachel (Burrgett) Searle.

Marlene started work with the Salvation Army in Ithaca, New York. From there she dedicated 28 years of her life working at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.

In her off time, she was an active community volunteer, giving her time to several community groups. Marlene drove for Gadabout, F.I.S.H., shared her time at the Gemm Shop, and delivered items to customers for Kinney Drugs. She was a valued member of the Trumansburg Senior Citizens, where she took pride in her role on the travel committee.

She also had a passion for travel, which she shared with her late husband, Tom, and several good friends. Her travel took her across America and countries abroad. Marlene loved music and dance and sang any chance she could. She was a dedicated member of the Harmony Falls Chorus for many years and the group performed at many locations and won several awards.

Marlene is survived by her son, David (Melissa Page) Reitz; twin sister, Eillean (Miles) McCarty; her daughter-in-law, Joanne Reitz; grandchildren, Timothy Reitz, Jordan and Taylor Page, Jack and Kelly Reitz; sister in law, Ruth (Odean) and Karen (Wesley) Searle; many nieces and nephews; and her dear partner of five years, Brayton Foster.

In addition to her parents, Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; sons, Michael (Joanne) and Steven Reitz; her daughter-in-law, Cindy Reitz; and brothers, Odean (Ruth) and Wesley (Karen) Searle.

Per Marlene's wishes, there will be no formal services. A Celebration of her Life will be announced to friends in the Spring.

The family asks those that would like to make a donation in Marlene's memory to kindly consider donating to the Harmony Falls Chorus.