Marlene E. L. Durham-Lamberg

Marlene Esther Louise Durham-Lamberg was born on August 14, 1942, to Benjamin L. Durham, Sr. and Margaret J. Durham. She grew up in the Irvington area and attended schools #85, #57 and graduated from Thomas Carr Howe High School. Marlene worked hard and matriculated through Marion County General Hospital School of Nursing, upon graduation she was employed at General Hospital, now known as Eskenazi Hospital. Her peers, friends, family, and neighbors would often seek advice from “Nurse Durham.” Just being a “nurse” was not her stopping point always seeking education and bettering herself, she went back to school and became a Nurse Practitioner. Marlene was employed by VA Hospital, Ft. Harrison, and Fairbanks to mention a few.

Marlene was an active member of Chi Eta Phi nursing sorority. She loved attending their meetings, conventions, and various functions. She had 3 projects that were near and dear to her – Flip Side Talent Show, Chi Eta Phi Fashion Show (benefit for breast cancer survivors), and she spearheaded collection of toiletries, hats, and gloves for the homeless.

Marlene accepted the Lord at an early age and was baptized at Irvington First Baptist Church. Marlene later joined Second Christian Church, now known as Light of the World Christian Church, under the leadership of Bishop T. Garrot Benjamin, Jr. She was a faithful and devoted member for over 35 years until the Lord called her home. Marlene served on a number of ministries, including the Christian Health Organization, Christian Women’s Fellowship, as a greeter at the front desk, and as a member of the finance team.

Marlene never had any biological children but had many God children. Marlene loved and was loved by her God children, nieces, nephews, and others. She was affectionately called “Aunt Marlene.” She encouraged them to get a good education and pursue excellence.

Marlene married Roy J. Lamberg on July 27, 1984, and not only became a stepmother to 9 children but a grandmother and great-grandmother as well. Through their 37 years of marriage, Marlene and Roy enjoyed taking trips and cruises to various countries and traveling within the United States. They loved spending countless hours listening to jazz and reminiscing about ‘old’ times. Marlene, affectionately known as ‘MiMi’ by all the step grands loved spending time with them whenever she had the opportunity, and they especially loved her summer sausage and chili.

Marlene departed this life on August 6, 2021. She was preceded in death by her father Benjamin L. Durham, Sr., mother Margaret J. Durham, sister Beatrice Jenkins, and brothers Benjamin L. Durham, Jr., Michael Durham, Sr., stepson David A. Lamberg, and step grandson Christopher A. Lamberg.

Marlene leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 37 years, Roy J. Lamberg, stepchildren: Michael (Mona) Lamberg, Fredericksberg, VA, Ruth Lamberg, Sharon Lamberg, Glenna Greathouse, Carol Lamberg, Paul (Barbet) Lamberg, all of Indianapolis, Catherine Lamberg, Cape Coral, FL, and Marlene Donaldson, Glendale, AZ; siblings: Alice M Richard, Nancy A. Durham, George F. (Linda) Durham, Sr., Gilbert L. (Beverly) Durham, Sr., Denice A. Durham, and Adrienne R. Durham, all of Indianapolis, and a host of nieces, nephews, step grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, family, and friends.