Marlene, the head seamstress, has been sewing gowns for Recollections for 23 years!  A neighbor first taught her how to read patterns and sew when she was 15 years old, and she’s been at it ever since.  She used to sew for wedding parties and do alterations for people, but today Marlene specializes in ball gowns, unique jackets, suits, blouses, and anything else requiring her special touch. 

Married, Marlene has twin daughters, Shelby and Susan, who are also Recollections employees, one son, and four grandchildren.  Her favorite thing to do is spend time with her grandkids on her family’s farm where they grow wheat, potatoes, beans, and corn.  She and her husband especially like giving the kids rides on their golf-cart around their sprawling property.   She also enjoys swimming, crafts, and singing gospel and folk music with her relatives at church and family get-togethers.  Marlene is “game for anything.”  She wants to keep active and she looks forward to watching her grandchildren grow up. 

Marlene likes working with the other employees at Recollections.  She also enjoys reading customer comments and notes and looking at the pictures they send wearing gowns she helped create.  She says it makes her feel good to enjoy her job so much.  She feels fortunate to be able to do what she loves, designing and sewing, right in her own hometown.