Marlene F. (Poje) Dunford

Marlene Poje Dunford, 82, devoted wife, mother and grandmother passed away due to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on August 21, 2015. Resident of Tallmadge since 1955, she attended St. Paul Grade School, St. Vincent High School and the University of Akron, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, Omega Chapter.

From a young age, music was an important part of Marlene’s life. She was accomplished in playing the accordion, piano, and organ. For 40 years, combined with her deep faith and love of music, she sang and directed various choirs, including Our Lady of Victory, St. Frances DeSales, and St. Eugene Catholic churches. As a board member and past president of NCCW, National Catholic Council of Women, she founded and directed their combined choir for 30 years.

A devoted mother of four daughters, she was recognized as a skilled seamstress. Her talent provided every holiday dress, sorority formal and bridal gown.

Marlene truly left her mark on the Akron area by her amazing fund raising skills. At the age of 50, she started her career as the first Director of Development for St. Vincent – St. Mary High School. Her career in fund raising continued on to Rockynol Retirement Community, Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services Foundation and Summa Health Systems.

In 1995, Marlene was hired by United Way of Summit County as Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving. She developed four new and distinct fund raising programs, including the Women’s Initiative and Young Leadership Club.

After 21 years of professional fund raising in major and planned giving, Marlene retired and then founded and became project manager for LEAVE A LEGACY®, created to make awareness in planned giving throughout the community. 

Throughout the years, Marlene distinguished herself as president of many organizations including the National Society of Fund Raising Executives. She received many awards, including the NCCW, Woman of the Year Award and the St. Vincent – St. Mary Fr. Mahar Award for outstanding alumnus.

After the death of her husband, one of her proudest accomplishments was the creation of the Widows of Faith, Hope and Charity Ministry, which now includes nine parishes and eighty five committed widows.

Preceded in death by her parents, Edna and John Poje; her husband of 56 years, Dan; and sister, Loretta LeFevre.

Survived by her four daughters, Lynne (Robert) Rossell of Queensbury NY, Diane (Dan) Walter of Alpharetta GA, Janette of Akron OH, Chrysa (Eddie) Swejk of Akron OH; six grandchildren, Christa and John Rossell, Alyssa and Colleen Walter, Zachary and Ryan Swejk; and sister, Dolores Mutchler.

Calling Hours will be Thursday, August 27, 4-7 p.m. at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle)

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, August 28, 11 a.m. at St. Eugene Catholic Church, 1821, Munroe Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls with Fr. Neil Crosby officiating.

Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and Marlene’s passion for charitable giving, please donate to your favorite charity. 

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