Marlene Hope Theresa (Fishera) Cerulli, 81, of Melrose, MA, passed away peacefully on the morning of August 22nd with the love of her family surrounding her in the comfort of her beach house after a long, difficult battle with cancer. Marlene was born to the late Louis and Philomena Fishera on November 26, 1938, in Boston, MA. She moved to Medford, completing her final year of High School at Medford High School in 1957. She married Victor Louis Cerulli on October 20, 1957 and eventually settled in Melrose where she lived most of her life. She made several long-term friends she kept in touch with over the years. Marlene spent every summer with her family, enjoying the beach and ocean waves in York, ME and many winters enjoying the sun in Naples and then Bonita Springs, Florida. Marlene was a dedicated mother and is survived by her four children, Victor Cerulli Jr. and his wife Athena of Woburn, Rina Cerulli of Lowell, Dr. Theresa Cerulli and her husband Peter of Andover, and Marlena Fitts and her husband Seth of North Reading; her 5 grandchildren that she adored - Brianna, Victoria, Amber, Cassandra and Bryce. Marlene is predeceased by her brother Anthony Fishera and sister Mary Marinella. Marlene is also survived by loving nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Marlene always had a passion for Real Estate, utilizing her salespersons license to sell properties, but also to build her own Real Estate Corporation. She was extremely business savvy, always finding ways to make ends meet on a postman's salary, even driving a nursery school bus for many years to fit her family's schedule and ensure her kids had everything they needed. She instilled these values in her children, ensuring they were all college educated, inspiring them to do the same with their families. She always opened her home to extended family and friends, creating many fond memories of Christmas Caroling and sugar cookies with hot cocoa, rafting in the big life boat in the shallow waves at Short Sands beach, playing games into the night at "Gramps Shack", and so much more. Marlene loved to travel and took her family on many trips and adventures. Her family drive across the country, Hawaii family vacation and her trip to Italy with her mother being the most notable. She loved the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas, enjoyed a couple trips to Atlantic City and most recently settled on day trips to Foxwoods and then Oxford Casino to play slot machines and her favorite game – Craps with her son-in-law, Seth. Marlene was a fantastic cook, Italian being her specialty, and enjoyed putting out a big spread every Sunday. She always found a reason to gather her family and friends, celebrate and enjoy life. Regardless of when or how long you knew her, she would be described as strong, independent, unwavering with her support and what had been considered her "tough love". She was never short of an opinion or the conviction and drive to do what she felt was needed. And to quote one of her favorite musicians, Frank Sinatra, "She Did it Her Way". Those that knew her would not have it otherwise. Her presence will remain in our hearts and minds forever. She will be deeply missed. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Friday, August 28, 2020 from 4:00 -7:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at lncarnation Church, 425 Upham St. Melrose on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 10:00AM, followed by an entombment at Holy Cross Mausoleum in Malden. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend.