Marlene M. Doran

Marlene M. Doran, age 88, of Toledo, OH passed away peacefully February 8, 2026 at University of Toledo Medical Center. She was born November 13, 1937 in Toledo to Paul and Margaret (Mazur) Manzey. 

Marlene was a creative, artistic, and inquisitive woman who truly loved engaging with people. Over a remarkable 34+ year waitressing career, she served countless customers, most notably at The Seafood Restaurant, but also at Inverness, Ricardo’s, Someplace Else and where it all began, Whittenberg’s. For her, waitressing was never just a job, it was an opportunity to connect. She didn’t simply take orders; she built relationships, shared stories, and made her customers feel seen and valued. Marlene loved to stay busy and had a strong work ethic throughout her life. Even at the golden age of 72, she took a position at the Toledo Hospital Cafeteria, continuing to do what she enjoyed most , serving others and meeting new people.

She was devoted to her four children and organized yearly family vacations to cottages at lakes in Michigan, like Rose City, Irish Hills, Hillsdale and many others. She loved playing games, cards like Euchre, Thirty-One, and Gin, or board and dice games like Farkle and Rummikub and spent much of her life enjoying them with family, friends, and even later in life at senior and rehabilitation centers. Marlene had an artistic spirit that could be seen throughout her home. From marbles carefully placed around a clawfoot bathtub to personalized accent walls and decorative designs that transformed ordinary spaces into something special. She had a gift for turning the simple into something memorable.

Marlene also loved to write poetry. She wrote personalized poems for her children, grandchildren, and friends, heartfelt words that made each person feel loved and known. She journaled every day, faithfully recording her thoughts and reflections, always giving thanks to God for His blessings. Marlene was always striving to grow spiritually and mentally. An avid reader, she found joy in religious and self-help books, constantly seeking wisdom and self-improvement. She sometimes faced anxiety, but met it with tenacity and worked to overcome it throughout her life. Her greatest joy radiated when she was with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She adored them deeply and delighted in creating imaginative, made-up games that filled the room with laughter. Her love, energy, and playful spirit will live on in each of them.

Marlene will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, curiosity, and the genuine interest she took in everyone she met. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and in the family she loved so dearly.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the wonderful friends and staff at Genesis Village where she lived for six years, and to those special people who knew her and took care of her in the Assisted Living at Ohio Living Swan Creek.

In addition to her parents, Marlene was also preceded in death by her Step-father Steven Zawojski, her former husband, Gerry Doran, Granddaughter, Justine Furbeck and brother-in-law, Robert Kaintz. She is survived by her children, Kathy (Randy) Pettyjohn, Jon Doran, Charlene (Mike) Thees and Gary (Stephanie) Doran; grandchildren Larissa Thees (Garland Glover), Austin (Alison) Thees, Rachel Thees (Andrew Eddy) Gypsy Doran, Aletta Doran (Hayden Knisley) ; great-grandchildren Rory, Otis, Linus, and Gianna; brother, Albert Manzey (Georgia Shaw) and sister, Paulette Kaintz.

The family will receive guests Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. at Newcomer- SW Chapel, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419-381-1900). Funeral Services will begin Saturday at 11:15 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital in Marlene's memory. 

To share a memory of Marlene or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.