Zetta Marlene Spiesel; beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on May 27, at her home in Vero Beach, Florida. She is survived by her husband, Col. William J. Spiesel, children; Lynn McDonald, Jeffrey Spiesel (Marlena), Julie Spiesel, grandchildren; Miranda McDonald, William McDonald, Alexandria Spiesel, Katie Spiesel, Analisa Buttacavoli, and her faithful furbaby, Marmalaide.

Marlene was born in Lewiston, Idaho. As a child she lived in Washington and Oregon. Marlene attended Oregon State University and University of Washington. During her college years, Marlene was a cheerleader, beauty queen, talented actress, a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, and dear friend to many. After college, Marlene moved to San Diego, where she worked as a flight attendant and met Marine Corps Capt. William Spiesel. They were married in 1960 at the Depot Chapel in San Diego. Over the course of their 54 year marriage, Marlene and Bill lived in Hawaii, Oregon, California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Georgia and Florida.

While living in Atlanta, Marlene began a successful twenty year career in real estate. She also studied art and became a very talented and accomplished sculptor. She was dedicated to her family; always putting the needs of her husband, children and grandchildren above her own. She loved music, art, dancing and animals of all kinds.

Marlene had such great strength, as she fought cancer and PML for over nine years. She brought nothing but joy and love to all those around her and was radiant and full of life until her very last day.

A beachside celebration of her life will be held at a later date near her home in Summerplace. Please contact family for details. Donations can be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, PO Box 644, Vero Beach, FL 32961, www.hsvb.org or to HALO Rescue, 710 Jackson St, Sebastian, FL 32958, www.halorescuefl.org