Marlene Ann Andrade

With heavy hearts, yet grateful hearts for a life so beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Marlene Ann Andrade, who entered into eternal rest on July 30, 2026, at the age of 71. Born on June 20, 1955, in Visalia, California, Marlene was the loving daughter of Tony and Evelyn Andrade. A lifelong member of the Visalia community, she was deeply rooted in faith, family, and the traditions that shaped her life. She graduated from Redwood High School and proudly carried on her Portuguese heritage, serving as the Festa Queen for St. Anthony's in Pismo Beach, a role that reflected both her love of tradition and her vibrant spirit. While Marlene held many cherished titles throughout her life-daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin, and friend-the title she treasured above all others was Mom. Her children were the center of her world. She loved them and devoted her life to ensuring they always felt supported, encouraged, and deeply loved. There was nothing she wouldn't do for them, and her unwavering devotion was evident in every sacrifice she made and every moment she shared. Marlene leaves behind her loving son, Rick Andrade and his wife, Amy, and her loving daughter, Analisa Andrade, who were the greatest blessings of her life. She was an incredibly proud grandmother to Audrey, Ella, Madalyn, Cheyenne, Emily, Wyatt, Courtney and Luke. Her grandchildren brought endless joy to her heart, and she delighted in celebrating each of their accomplishments, milestones, and everyday moments. Her love extended well beyond her own children and grandchildren. Marlene played an integral role in helping raise her niece and nephews, Joey, Jeanette and Lun, loving them as if they were her own. She also shared a close and treasured bond with her many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and great- great nieces and nephews, creating memories with each of them that they will cherish forever. She is survived by her brother, Tony Andrade and his wife, Sonia, as well as her forever "sisters", Susie Visser and Krisi Glick, whose bond with Marlene remained strong throughout the years. She also leaves behind countless lifelong friends who became family through the love, kindness, laughter, and her unwavering loyalty. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Evelyn Andrade; her cherished grandparents, Oscar and Iva Benton; her very special aunt, Anna Mae Souza; her sister, Carol Andrade Castelo; her brother, Tim Andrade; and many other family members who held a special place in her heart. Today, her family finds peace in knowing she has been joyfully reunited with them in Heaven. During her life, Marlene worked alongside her parents at the family businesses, Holstein Circle TA Ranch and Andrade's Paradise Inn. Later, she proudly served the students and staff of Visalia Unified School District, beginning her career as a school librarian/media technician before transitioning to the Human Resources Department. Over the course of more than 14 years, she faithfully served the district before enjoying a well-earned retirement. Anyone who knew Marlene knew she was full of life. She had a contagious laugh, a warm smile, and an infectious personality that could brighten any room. She was often the life of the party, always ready for a celebration. If you're reading these words and knew Marlene, chances are you can still hear her unmistakable laugh echoing in your memories. Family was at the center of everything she did. Marlene loved bringing everyone around the together. She joyfully took on the role of making sure her home was a place where everyone felt welcome, and no one ever left hungry. Marlene truly lived life to the fullest. She found joy in baking, cooking, sewing, and crafting, and anyone who visited her home knew her craft room was always overflowing with every imaginable supply for her next creative project. Everything she made reflected the love she poured into the people around her. Marlene was a woman of faith. She trusted in God throughout her life and found strength in His promises. Her family takes great comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in His loving presence, reunited with those who went before her. Just as she fiercely protected and cared for her family during her lifetime, they know her love and watchful spirit will continue from Heaven above. Though her physical presence will be deeply missed, her love, guidance, and legacy will remain forever woven into the lives of all who knew her. Marlene's greatest gift was making people feel loved. She leaves behind a lifetime of treasured memories, family traditions, laughter, and love that will continue to live on in every life she touched. Services for Marlene have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. A public Viewing will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, followed by the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. A Celebration of Marlene's Life will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, with burial to follow at 1:30 p.m. at Exeter District Cemetery. Although our hearts are broken by her passing, we celebrate the incredible life she lived and the immeasurable love she gave. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her greatest legacy will not be measured by the years she lived, but by the countless lives she touched, the traditions she carried on, the laughter she shared, and the love she gave so freely. She was the heart of her family, and that heart will continue to beat within each of us forever. "Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23 Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be to the Kaweah Health Ruth Wood Open Arms Home. Website is kaweahhealth.org/openarmshouse Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Marlene Ann Andrade

June 20, 1955 - July 30, 2026