Unfortunately, that photo is lost in the ether—or is it Ethernet? I searched way back in time (the Campania Tour was pre-2005) through old photos and I think that photo (smiling, red lipsticked Marlena holding up a huge lemon in front of her face) was in an old, damaged cell phone, no longer in use. 😩. I do have my correspondence with her just before the tour.
Thank you posting this. I was shocked to read of Marlena’s passing, and so sad. I have the best, brightest memory of her presence and smiling face on a Cook’s Tour of Campania years ago. I think Marlena was responsible for inviting me on that trip. I have a photo of her holding up a huge lemon from the island of Procida--I’m going to try to find that photo. It is truly a loss to not have her with us anymore.
What sad news! I met Marlena in San Francisco many, many years ago at an event sponsored by an olive oil regulatory association. Her exuberance! We talked for a long time not just about olive oil, but about career paths, travel... She never knew it, but that discussion changed the course of my life. I had been wavering about accepting a job in Japan. Her enthusiasm for that prospect propelled me to pack up and go, and what was initially a short stint in Japan, turned into several decades in Southeast Asia. If we hadn’t spoken that evening...
Judy, thank you for sharing. This piece is wonderful and speaks to the passion Marlena had for life and food. How wonderful that you shared that beautiful meal and time together.
Thank you for sharing these final words, Judy. It’s hard to imagine a world without our dear Marlena. That fork in the road has become a bittersweet omen.
Exuberant pasta, indeed...just like our exuberant friend Marlena! Thank you, Judy, for making sure this was published. I'll make it soon and shed a few tears when I do.
Exuberant pasta from an exuberant lover of words, food, and people. I'll make this recipe with cherry tomatoes, herbs and garlic from the garden, and raise a fork to her. What a terrible loss.
Saddened and beyond words. We took Marlena’s cooking classes in the 70’s and reconnected in the Bay Area precovid. I have adored following her travels and writings. A true loss 💜💜💜💜
Thanks so much for sharing this last newsletter from dear Marlena, Judy. Condolences on the loss of your dear friend and colleague. Marlena's memory forever a blessing.
Unfortunately, that photo is lost in the ether—or is it Ethernet? I searched way back in time (the Campania Tour was pre-2005) through old photos and I think that photo (smiling, red lipsticked Marlena holding up a huge lemon in front of her face) was in an old, damaged cell phone, no longer in use. 😩. I do have my correspondence with her just before the tour.
Thank you posting this. I was shocked to read of Marlena’s passing, and so sad. I have the best, brightest memory of her presence and smiling face on a Cook’s Tour of Campania years ago. I think Marlena was responsible for inviting me on that trip. I have a photo of her holding up a huge lemon from the island of Procida--I’m going to try to find that photo. It is truly a loss to not have her with us anymore.
So sad, so shocking, so unexpected--she was such a force, Marlena, it is impossible to believe she is really gone. Thanks for posting this, Judy.
What sad news! I met Marlena in San Francisco many, many years ago at an event sponsored by an olive oil regulatory association. Her exuberance! We talked for a long time not just about olive oil, but about career paths, travel... She never knew it, but that discussion changed the course of my life. I had been wavering about accepting a job in Japan. Her enthusiasm for that prospect propelled me to pack up and go, and what was initially a short stint in Japan, turned into several decades in Southeast Asia. If we hadn’t spoken that evening...
What a tragically fitting and delicious last newsletter. I am saddened beyond words.
Judy, thank you for sharing. This piece is wonderful and speaks to the passion Marlena had for life and food. How wonderful that you shared that beautiful meal and time together.
Thank you for sharing these final words, Judy. It’s hard to imagine a world without our dear Marlena. That fork in the road has become a bittersweet omen.
Exuberant pasta, indeed...just like our exuberant friend Marlena! Thank you, Judy, for making sure this was published. I'll make it soon and shed a few tears when I do.
Exuberant pasta from an exuberant lover of words, food, and people. I'll make this recipe with cherry tomatoes, herbs and garlic from the garden, and raise a fork to her. What a terrible loss.
Saddened and beyond words. We took Marlena’s cooking classes in the 70’s and reconnected in the Bay Area precovid. I have adored following her travels and writings. A true loss 💜💜💜💜
Thank you, Marlena, for all your wonderful writing.
Such a delightful post ! So sad, I’m so sorry
Thanks so much for sharing this last newsletter from dear Marlena, Judy. Condolences on the loss of your dear friend and colleague. Marlena's memory forever a blessing.