HUBBARD Marlene J. Stepanic, 57, beloved daughter and sister, passed away Monday, November 20, 2006, after battling ALS for over a year.

Marlene had a tremendous passion for great books, good music, love of her dogs, gardening and interesting people, all which she showered with love and affection. As a registered nurse, of St. Elizabeth's Nursing school, her career is one of successes and thoughtful work at Massachusetts General Hospital, Cedars-Sinai and most recently at District XI Area Agency on Aging in Youngstown, OH (where she leaves many dear friends). While at Cedars-Sinai her tremendous care giving skills provided an opportunity to become a personal nurse and attendant to Mrs. Lee Gershwin, wife of the late Ira Gershwin (brother of George Gershwin). She spent many years caring for and traveling with Lee. After Mrs. Gershwin's death, Marlene returned to the Ohio area to pursue her dream as proprietor of a used book store, The Book Affair in Sharon, PA.

Marlene is survived by her parents, George and Helen (Kostecki) Stepanic and sister, Georgene Stepanic.

Friends may call from 5 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the Kelley-Robb Funeral Home in Hubbard.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, at 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home and at l0:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Church in Hubbard, OH.

The Stepanic's are very thankful to all of those who have been so kind and helpful through this ordeal.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market Street, Youngstown, OH 44512 or the ALS Association, Northern Ohio Chapter, 2500 East 22 Street, Suite 102, Cleveland, OH 44115.

Please visit www.kelley-robb.com to view this obituary and to send condolences to the family.

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