Marlene W. Dyer Parsons, 72, of Utica, passed away at her home, Tuesday, February 22, 2011, with her family by her side after a long and courageous battle with a brain tumor. Marlene was born in Syracuse, NY on October 1, 1938, the daughter of Herbert Haase and Ruth Gouchee. She was raised and educated in Cleveland, NY. Marlene began her waitressing career when she was 16 years old in Syracuse and the surrounding areas. In 1961, Marlene married Jack Dyer, and in 1967, she and Jack moved to New Hartford where they owned and operated Coney Island Diner for the next 20 years. She then spent her remaining working years at both the Ramada Inn in New Hartford and The King and I restaurant in Utica at the same time. Throughout her career, Marlene had many special customers who would follow her from place to place for that special smile and caring manner. She was a member of the New Hartford American Legion Post # 1376 Ladies Auxiliary. Marlene enjoyed spending time with her family, especially with her granddaughter and great granddaughter. She was of the Catholic faith. Marlene is survived by three daughters and a son-in-law, Mary and Donald Taylor, Utica, Marlene Dyer, Utica, Shirlee Dyer, Binghamton; a granddaughter, Shannon Tibbitts, Utica, a great granddaughter, Adrianna Tibbitts, Utica, a grandson, Jason Tibbitts, Sauquoit; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Herbert Smithson, Syracuse, Carlton and Linda Haase, Syracuse; a dear family friend, Tracy Bach, New Hartford, and her extended family, Norman Milledge and JoAnn Tibbitts. She is predeceased by a brother, William Worth, and a sister-in-law, Ann Smithson. Marlene's funeral will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 1:00 pm at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Whitesboro where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends may call at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Road, North Utica, Friday evening, from 4 - 7 pm. Interment will take place privately at the convenience of the family. The family extends there thanks and heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers, who really made a difference, Elisa, Cathy, Debbie, Katrina, Cindy, Shannon, and Lynzie.