Marlene M. Pace

Marlene Madeline Pace, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland went home to be with the Lord, on February 15, 2020 at the age of 83 years. She was born on June 30, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York, only daughter of Madeline and Andrew Schumn. Marlene grew up in Hempstead, New York. After high school, she married Juan Almaraz and spent many years traveling as an Air Force wife. They traveled from New York to Nebraska and then Spain before returning to New York. Their final stop was at Andrews Air Force Base, MD. During that time of her life, she raised three sons. Ultimately, Marlene and Juan divorced. Marlene worked as a successful civil servant for the majority of her career as a Secretary. She began working at Andrews Air Force Base, then in Washington, DC as a private contractor and then was employed with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). She retired in 1991. Marlene met Clarence Pace while working at Andrews Air Force Base. Their friendship turned to love. They married in 1973 and were together for almost fifty years. They enjoyed their life while raising their children and watching their blended family grow up. She loved to cook and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Many Uno and Rummy card games were played along with board games with her children and grandchildren. Sewing her own clothes along with embroidering was one of many passions in her life. She also favored good movies and anything chocolate! A woman of great faith and a servant leader, Marlene was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro. She loved teaching Sunday school and was in the church choir. Singing brought her great joy. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society where she made lasting friendships and enjoyed fun-filled trips and activities together. Beloved wife of Clarence Ray Pace; Devoted mother of Richard J. Almaraz and his wife Blanca of Swan Point, MD, Robert J. Almaraz and his wife Cynthia of Tulsa, OK, and Ralph J. Almaraz and his wife Denise of Huntingtown, MD; Dear stepmother of Pamela Sumpter and her husband Tim of Glenwood, MD; Loving Grandma of Andrew, Jessica, Gabriela, Rachel, April, Luke and Rebekah Almaraz; Step-grandmother of Tim, Alyssa, Evan and Braeden Sumpter; also survived by 4 great-grandchildren. Marlene was predeceased by her only sibling, the late Robert Schumn. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Marlene M. Pace please visit our Sympathy Store.