Marlyn J. Vella

Marlyn J. Vella, of Washington, passed away at 1:25 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, in her residence, after complications due to Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born February 8, 1938, in Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland County, a daughter of the late Ruth Silsley Dillinger and Harold Dillinger. Sadly, her mother died from complications shortly after childbirth. However, her father later remarried, and she was lovingly raised by her stepmother, Ethel Miller, as if she were one of her own.

Marlyn was a graduate of Redstone High School in Republic.

She dedicated her life to being a homemaker and caring for her family. She loved crafting, sewing, reading, writing, entertaining, baking, and cooking. She particularly loved spending time with all her grandchildren.

Marlyn was Catholic by faith and a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Washington.

On September 6, 1955, she married her loving husband of nearly 70 years, Vincent A. Vella, who survives.

Surviving, in addition to her husband, are children Tina Faust (Terry), Vincent J. Vella (Marylee), Mark Vella (Michelle), and Chris Ward (Jim); grandchildren Dr. Kristin Faust, Jordan Faust (Gary Burk), Vincent T. Vella (Brittany), Julie Sanabria (Ryan), Jessica A. Fairweather (Brian), Kaitlin Pascoe, Nathan Ward, and Mia Vella; great-grandchildren Olivia Ward, Blair Vella, and Braden Vella; sister Judy Zapotosky; sisters-in-law Leila Dillinger and Jean Vella; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to her parents and stepmother, is a brother, Harold “Butch” Dillinger.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.