Marlene Jodell Schumann Cavan

(nee Schumann) Joined her loving husband Ralph, on January 27, 2019, age 79. Beloved mother of Kevin (Christine). Cherished grandmother of Kaiya. Preceded in death by her parents, Roman and Erna, brother Richard, and sister Jeanette into Eternal Peace.

Gathering at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Chapel of the Flowers, 13235 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield on Monday, February 11, 2019, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.  Memorial Service 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.  Committal Service on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 9;00 AM – 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers,  memorials appreciated to her favorite charities, The Wisconsin Humane Society, National Wildlife Foundation, or The Ronald McDonald House.

Marlene began her journey in life on May 20, 1939 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  She graduated from Wauwatosa East High School and began a career at Northwestern Mutual Life where she made several life long friendships.

Through a mutual acquaintance, Marlene was introduced to Ralph and they soon began 43 years of marriage until Ralph’s passing. Marlene and Ralph first lived in a small apartment on the Eastside where they enjoyed the local culture and their favorite pizza place, Zaffiro’s.  They moved to Whitefish Bay in 1970 to prepare for the birth of their only son Kevin.  They lived in Whitefish Bay for 27 years forming many wonderful memories.  In 1997, Ralph and Marlene moved to Gold Canyon, Arizona, to begin retirement in the sun.  Upon Ralph’s passing, Marlene moved back to Milwaukee to be closer to her son and his family, especially her only grand-daughter Kaiya.  In her final moments Marlene made sure to ask for Kaiya and to tell her, Chris, and Kevin that she would miss them and that she loved them.  In the months before her passing Marlene mentioned having dreams of Ralph, her mother, and sister waiting for her.

Throughout her life, Marlene had a great fondness for animals from her first dog Pepe, her two dogs in Whitefish Bay, Candy and Mishka, her cats Coco, Miera, and Sunny and her son’s family dog Franco. Marlene loved to feed the squirrels and chipmunks that frequented her yard and she actively donated to several wildlife and animal funds such as the Wisconsin Humane Society.

Marlene will be missed dearly by her family who hold comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and with those that were waiting to be with her again.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever, Psalms 73:26.