Marlene Ellen Katz

Marlene Ellen (Gramling) Katz

July 14, 1951 — February 3, 2026

DERRY, NH – Marlene Ellen (Gramling) Katz, 74, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Hanover, NH, on July 14, 1951, Marlene was the daughter of the late Gerard and Nedra (Heselton) Gramling. A 1969 graduate of Woodstock Union High School, she went on to follow her passion for the arts, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Anna Maria College in 1973.

On July 21, 1973, Marlene married the love of her life, Jeffrey W. Katz, in South Woodstock, VT. Together, they shared over 52 years of marriage, navigating the challenges and adventures of military life during Jeffrey’s career as a Colonel in the U.S. Airforce.

A gifted musician, Marlene shared her talents by teaching piano and guitar in the mid-1970s. Later in life, she combined her creativity with her career, serving as a Manager for House of Fabrics and Jo-Ann Fabrics from 1990 to 2001. Her hands were rarely still; she was a master of sewing and crafts and found great peace in her garden.

Above all else, Marlene was the ultimate supporter of her children and grandchildren. Whether it was a cold morning at a hockey rink, a sunny afternoon at a soccer or baseball field, or the quiet anticipation of a music concert or play, Marlene was always in the audience. She was her family’s greatest fan and took immense pride in every achievement, big or small.

Marlene is survived by her devoted husband, Jeffrey W. Katz; her three children, Stacy Katz Mortensen, Jonathan Ryan Katz, and Matthew James Katz; and her four cherished grandchildren, Abigail Mortensen, Isabelle Mortensen, Ainsley Katz, and Oliver Katz. She also leaves behind her siblings, Linda White and Phillip Gramling, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, David Gramling.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marlene’s memory to her hospice care providers, who offered such compassionate support:

Amedisys Hospice Care (0902) Bedford, NH