Marlene F. Palaisa Chenger

Marlene F. Palaisa Chenger, age 78, of Uniontown, PA passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026. She was born on October 2, 1947, a daughter of the late Joseph and Anna Kozlina Palaisa.

Marlene was a 1965 graduate of North Union High School. After graduation, she began a long career working in a variety of capacities for Thurby Motors, Fayette Oxygen Company, Permacote Industries, Teletech Industries and Christian Klay Winery. Marlene had a gift for flower arranging, a talent for crafting and a love of antiques, which she combined to open Treasures Gift Shoppe in 1985. Treasures operated in three locations over a span of 17 years: Laurel Mall in Connellsville, West Fayette Street in Uniontown, and National Pike in Hopwood. During her time as a business owner, Marlene was able to share her artistry and foster meaningful friendships with many of her customers. Marlene had several interests and passions including gardening, reading, sewing, crocheting, baking cookies, bird watching, playing scrabble (not many could win against her), putting together puzzles, watching old movies, collecting a variety of antiques, and watching football, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In addition to her parents, Marlene was preceded in death by JoAnne Voyten, her beloved sister, and by Kenneth Chenger, her former spouse.

Marlene is survived by her daughter Joanne Phillian and husband Ken of Uniontown; son John Chenger and wife Lori of Carlisle; grandchildren Benjamin Phillian, Abigayle Phillian, Cannon Chenger, Scoutlyn Chenger, and Gage Chenger; step-grandchildren Sean Braet and wife Stephanie, and Kim Braet; sister Loretta Misher and husband Joe of Belle Vernon; brother Joe Palaisa and wife Cindy of Uniontown; brother-in-law Mike Voyten and companion Janet Gabelt of Connellsville; niece Stacey Palaisa; nephews Michael Voyten, Doug Voyten, and Joey Palaisa; dear cousin Beverly Gerich; special friends Fran O'Hern and Joyce Hutchinson; and many additional cousins and friends.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of both Mount Saint Macrina Manor and Amedisys Hospice for the exceptional care, comfort, and compassion they provided to Marlene.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Shell Funeral Home, Inc., 164 S. Mount Vernon Avenue, Uniontown. In accordance with Marlene’s wishes, there will be no public visitation, and private internment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

To honor Marlene's memory, donations may be made to the Uniontown Public Library, 24 Jefferson Street, Uniontown, PA 15401. Or, in lieu of a donation, Marlene would love for you to plant some flowers and "don't forget to fertilize!" "Where flowers bloom, so does hope." - Lady Bird Johnson

Condolences may be left for the family below.