Marlene (Wightman) Bledsoe

Wellsville, NY - Surrounded by her loving family, Marlene (Wightman) Bledsoe, 58, Wellsville, passed away, December 22, 2010, after a brave battle with uterine cancer.

Marlene was born February 3, 1952, in Wellsville, daughter of the late Walter Wightman and surviving Adelaide (McClure) Wightman. She was a 1970 graduate of Wellsville Central High School and a 1973 graduate of Alfred State College.

On April 1, 1972 she was married to Carlton L. Bledsoe, in Wellsville. In addition to raising two beautiful daughters, she worked as a floral designer at Tracie's Flower Shop before opening her own business, The Flower Garden Gift Shop, in 1991.

Marlene was a member of First Trinity Lutheran Church in Wellsville, where she was involved in the altar guild and many other church activities. She was a member of the Wellsville Music Boosters, becoming a surrogate "Mom" to many marching band members. Marlene was active in the Wellsville High School Alumni Association and Wellsville Lioness Club, holding many offices. While her daughters were young, she acted as a Girl Scout leader and was the Director of the area Girl Scout Camp for many years. Marlene had many loves, including spending time with family, gardening, knitting, quilting and bird watching.

In addition to her mother and husband, she is survived by: her two daughters Amanda Bledsoe, Wellsville, and Tara (Kyle Bittinger) Bledsoe, Philadelphia, PA; two granddaughters, Lauren Bledsoe and Nora Bledsoe Bittinger; a sister, Nancy (Jim) Thomas; a brother, Mark Wightman; an aunt, Mae Thompson; and many brothers and sisters in-law, and nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Inc., 34 W. State St. in Wellsville. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday (Dec. 28, 2010) in the Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Robert Morris presiding. Burial will be in the Stannards Cemetary. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or any charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.embserfuneralhome.com.