Marlene (Rosa) Tolento passed away suddenly at her home in Branford on Oct. 17. She leaves her buddy, best friend, and husband William Tolento, as well as her mother Margaret Roehl Rosa and her siblings Raymond (Mary) Rosa, twin Margaret (Robert) Borden, Ronald (Shellie) Rosa, Jacqueline (John) Peters, Fred (Kerry) Rosa, all of Guilford; and William (Michele) Rosa of Wallingford. She is also survived by her mother in law Phyllis McIntier, father-in-law William Tolento of New Haven, and brothers and sisters-in-law Edward Giannotti of New Haven, Douglas (Stephanie) Giannotti, Elizabeth Tolento of Florida, and Michele (Wayne) Martin of Madison. The “Cool Aunt” also leaves her nieces and nephews Justin (Katie), Jeff, Jessica, Nicole, Ally, Alex, Kaili, and Brandon Rosa; Kendall and Rosie Borden; JP, Connor, and Mallory Peters; Marcie Hon; Sophia Giannotti; and Lily Martin; as well as her great nieces and nephew Clara, Eliana, and Bradon Rosa and Kate and Kollins Hon; her goddaughter Sarah Lizee; as well as numerous aunts, cousins, co-workers, former teammates, and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved father William Rosa and her brother in law Allen Giannotti.
Marlene (Leney, Ma, Aunt Cookie) worked in her family’s business, the Guilford Food Center (GFC), throughout her childhood, before becoming a hairdresser and spending many years at Shear Action giving countless first haircuts and advice while spreading love and joy to her clients. She later returned to the GFC (now The Marketplace) where for many years, she was the baker, and the queen of her famous twice-baked potatoes. Her smile sparkled and her skin glowed as she served thousands of customers, making everyone who knew her feel special. Through her hard work and generous spirit, she put everyone else’s needs above hers; traveling to homes and hospitals to give haircuts even after her retirement.
She will always be remembered for her passions for gardening and the sun, her love of the Yankees, her amazing Christmas cookies, and mostly for her love for her family.
Funeral service will be held in the Lutheran Church of Madison, 9 Britton Lane, Madison on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. Friends and family may call Friday, Oct. 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Guilford Funeral Home. 115 Church Street, Guilford. Burial in Alder Brook Cemetery, Boston St, Guilford. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department, 390 Church St., Guilford, CT 06437. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com.
