Marlene McDermott, 81, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Brookestone Acres of Columbus.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, May 30 at 10:30 AM, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey with Fr. Dan Wittrock celebrating the Mass.  Visitation will be on Thursday from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM with a vigil service at 5:30 PM all at the church.  Visitation will continue Friday from 9:30 AM until service time, also at the church.  Interment will be in the parish cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Marlene was born March 31, 1944, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Victor and Cecelia (O'Callaghan) Ternus.  She graduated from St. Francis High School and worked as a secretary/bookkeeper at St. Francis Church.  Marlene loved music and began playing for devotions at church in the seventh grade.  She was the accompanist for the St. Francis Men and Ladies choir, played for several weddings and funerals.  Marlene later started doing secretarial work for St. Francis High School.

Marlene played sing-alongs at The Chateau in Norfolk, Nebraska, for 19 years until it closed.  She also played piano and accordion for a couple of small combos for dances and filled in for her mother with the Duffy Belohrad Orchestra.

On November 22, 1986, Marlene was united in marriage to Patrick "Jim" McDermott.  She enjoyed going to tractor shows and parades with Jim and checking out the local flea markets.  She was a faithful member of St. Francis Catholic Church.

Marlene is survived by:
Brother – Jim (Jane) Ternus
Brother – Leonard (Jane) Ternus
Sister-in-law – Cindy Ternus
Many nieces and nephews

Marlene was preceded in death by:
Parents – Victor and Cecelia Ternus
Husband – Jim McDermott
Brother – Vic Ternus
Brother – Steve Ternus
Sister – Teresa Otto
Sister – Cece Ternus
Sister – Louise Ternus