Born in Australia, Marlene grew up in the post-war suburb of South Oakleigh. Brought up a Catholic, she entered the convent at the age of seventeen after attending boarding school in Fremantle, WA. She left the convent following the Ecumenical Council when changes were implemented in the Catholic Church.

Teaching became a passion. She was actively involved in education in the Victorian system and implemented many changes to the curriculum during her career. She became an Assistant Principal at Brandon Park Primary and then Principal at Oakwood Park Primary and finally at Glenferrie Primary. She played basketball and tennis and attended the gym regularly to keep fit.

On retiring she decided to have a go at writing; a lifelong dream. She is a member of the Caulfield Writer’s Group and the Monash Writer’s Group. Marlene lives in East Bentleigh and spends her time cycling, keeping fit at the local gym, reading, writing and travelling. She is a member of the Australian Conservation Association, The Wilderness Society and other conservation groups. Her memoir, Down the Road to Waterford is out now.