Marlene Bertha (Anderson) Cafferky

Marlene B. (Anderson) Cafferky, 71, passed to her rest in College Place, WA, on October 18, 2024, after living many years with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. She was born in Caribou, Aroostook County, ME, on December 6, 1952, the daughter of Ralph Marcus and Edwina (Gagnon) Anderson, both from Aroostook County.

Marlene grew up on a potato farm, learning the value of hard work and getting along with others with a positive outlook. She was educated at Perham Consolidated School, Perham, ME; Pioneer Valley Academy (MA), where she was elected to the National Honor Society; Atlantic Union College (MA), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, graduating with honors; and California State University, San Bernardino (CA), earning a master’s degree in education. She was a member of the Walla Walla University Church. Marlene married Michael Cafferky on December 29, 1974, in South Lancaster, MA.

Marlene began her teaching career in a one-room, multi-grade elementary school in North Dakota. She taught at Loma Linda Academy (CA) and Berney Elementary School in Walla Walla (WA) for several years, retiring early because of her medical condition. Known for her love of children, Marlene received the Zapora Award for Excellence in Teaching. She was affectionate, caring, supportive, creative, generous, a peacemaker, an amazing cook who shared her knowledge with her sons, and a champion of the Golden Rule. Despite progressive medical conditions, she didn’t complain. Her courage and love of people remain an inspiration to all.

She was preceded by her parents. Surviving besides her husband are two sons, Bryan of Yucaipa, CA, and Nolan of Renton, WA; one sister, Carolyn Smith of Walla Walla, WA; two brothers, Kim Anderson of Westminster, MA, and Fred Anderson of Lancaster, MA; and two granddaughters whom she adored Penelopi and Phoenix.

Interment will be private at Mt. Hope. Plans for a celebration of life service are pending.