Obituary of Marlene Cutrona Tennier

Marlene Cutrona Tennier, 84, of Centreville, MD, passed into eternal life on Wednesday, February 17, 2021.   

Born on June 3rd, 1936 in Wilmington, DE, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Cutrona and the late Angeline Giannone Cutrona.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, A. Keith Tennier, her sister Concetta (Connie) A. Ciconte and her brother Anthony J. Cutrona.

Marlene earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Villanova University in 1969 and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Trinity College.

Marlene spent her life devoted to her faith and to education. During her 14 years with the sisters of the Benedictine order in Wilmington, DE, she taught and was principal at St. Elizabeth’s Elementary School. Afterwards, Marlene’s work in Catholic education spanned five dioceses and many titles and duties. She was a Teacher/Administrator at La Reine Catholic High School in Suitland, MD for 10 years. She then served as principal of two Catholic elementary schools for a total of 10 years. She retired from her role as the beloved Principal of St. Ann School in Arlington, VA in 2002.

When Marlene reflected on her years as an Educator and Administrator, she said that what she most enjoyed about her job was the unity that existed between her religion and her work, citing the ability to share her faith while on the job.

After her retirement, Marlene served on the Evaluation Committee for the Archdiocese of Washington D.C.’s. National Blue Ribbon School Program and was a volunteer for St. Martin’s Ministries in Ridgely, MD.

During her life, she was an active member of St. Edward’s parish in Bowie, MD and Our Mother of Sorrow’s parish in Centreville, MD.

Marlene loved to dance – she tap-danced throughout her life. She also loved cooking, gardening and spending time with her girlfriends, her daughters, her two adoring grandchildren and her extended family.

She is survived by her daughters Michelle (Cindy) Walker of Fairfax, VA and Sharon Tennier of Herndon, VA and her grandchildren, Ryan Walker of Fairfax, VA and Gabriella Tennier-Hogan of Herndon, VA.

A private burial service was held. A memorial service and celebration of Marlene’s life will be scheduled for the Fall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org/donate or St. Martins Ministries at martinshouseandbarn.org.