Marlene Hoogerhyde

Marlene Hoogerhyde, 93, of North Haledon, was called home to heaven on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, to be with her Lord and Savior.

Born in Paterson, Marlene was the cherished daughter of Charles and Mary (Scott) Kara. She grew up in Hawthorne and graduated from Hawthorne High School with the Class of 1948.

After school, she began her career as a legal secretary with Freeman, Buttermore, and Freeman of Paterson.

Marlene was the devoted wife of Garret “Garry” Hoogerhyde, Sr. Their love story began with a blind date arranged by one of Garry’s friends while he was on leave as a U.S. Army lieutenant range officer. Determined to make a good impression, Garry arrived at Marlene’s house in his full Army uniform. Though neither could recall the details of that first date, it clearly left an impression. The two were married on May 8, 1954, at the Hawthorne United Methodist Church. The reception followed downstairs in the church fellowship hall, and the couple honeymooned through New England, culminating in a visit to Niagara Falls.

After their honeymoon, the newlyweds settled into an apartment on Virginia Avenue in Paterson, conveniently located above Garry’s office—leaving him no excuse to be late! They moved several times over the years, prompted once by the planned construction of Route 80, which would have inconveniently passed straight through their living room. Ultimately, they made their home in North Haledon, most recently at the Windmere, formerly the Holland Christian Home.

Marlene embraced her calling as a homemaker and mother to eight children, a role she carried out with grace, humor, and military-like precision. With Garry’s Army background perhaps rubbing off on her, she ensured that her household ran like a well-oiled machine. The house was always immaculate, and everyone had a job. Dinnertime was a coordinated effort, with

tasks like setting the table, clearing dishes, washing, drying, and putting everything away shared among the kids. Marlene’s culinary skills were legendary within the family—she was a master cook and preferred savory meals over baking, much to everyone’s delight.

For a brief period, Marlene decided to step outside her home and took a job as a waitress at the Brick House Restaurant in Wyckoff. It only took three weeks for her to realize that her role at home was far more fulfilling, and she quickly retired from the restaurant business.

Marlene had an interesting sense of humor and a practical outlook on life. She loved sewing clothes for her family, doing needlework, and solving word search puzzles. A loyal fan of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, she declined to join family game nights but could always be heard shouting out answers from across the room.

Her home was always open to others. Whether hosting friends, family, or church guests, she famously said, “I’m already cooking for ten—what’s two more?” Marlene had a heart for service, writing cards or notes of encouragement, making phone calls, and offering prayers. Her mile-long prayer list was a testament to her faith and love for those in her life.

Marlene’s faith was the foundation of her life. She and Garry raised their children in a Christian home, attending churches such as Fair Lawn Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Living Hope Church in Nutley, and most recently, Church of the Covenant in Hackettstown, NJ. Marlene was also Garry’s most trusted assistant during his many years of service on the OPC hospitalization committee, embodying the spirit of partnership and devotion.

Her love extended beyond her children to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who could always count on a birthday card from Grammy. Marlene and Garry made it a tradition to take annual trips to visit their family, no matter how far away they lived.

Marlene was known for her strong convictions, which were grounded in her daily readings of the Bible, and for her unwavering love for her family. While she was opinionated and tough when needed, her warmth, humor, and faith left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

Marlene was the beloved wife of Garret, Sr., blessed by God in marriage for 70 years. She was the loving mother of eight children: Stephen Hoogerhyde of Hackensack, Susan and husband George Lindemulder of Wanaque, Roy and wife Juanita of Nazareth, PA, Kathleen and husband Timothy Kline of Fair Lawn, Glenn and wife Jill Hoogerhyde of Lynnwood, Washington, Stuart and wife Karen Hoogerhyde of Lynden, Washington, Garret, Jr. and wife Anita of Bothell, Washington, and Douglas and wife Leah Hoogerhyde of Franklin Lakes; cherished grandmother of 20 grandchildren, adored great-grandmother of 21 great grandchildren, and dear aunt of numerous nieces and nephews. Marlene was also predeceased by her brother Charles Kara, Jr. and her sister Elaine Catello.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Marlene’s memory to one of the following charities that were close to her heart:

The Orthodox Presbyterian Church

Worldwide Outreach

607 North Easton Road, Bldg. E

Willow Grove, PA 19090-2539

Mid-America Reformed Seminary

229 Seminary Dr.

Dyer, IN 46311