Marlene Francis Battisti (Piskel), age 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Known affectionately as “Pickle” in her high school days, Marlene was a woman of vibrant energy, deep faith, and a steadfast loyalty to the family and friends she held dear.
A Life of Joy and Community Service
Born on May 4, 1937, at Hazleton State General Hospital, Marlene was raised in Tresco, Pennsylvania, by her parents, Michael and Mary Piskel. She graduated from Hazleton Senior High School in 1954, where she proudly brought joy and energy to the community as a member of the cheerleading squad.
On September 22, 1962, she married the love of her life, Joseph Benjamin Battisti. Together, they shared 64 years of a beautiful, dedicated marriage. Marlene loved nothing more than to “cut a rug” with Joe at parties and weddings; once she stepped onto the dance floor, it was nearly impossible to get her off it. Her athletic spirit extended well past the dance floor and cheerleading; throughout the 1970s, she was an outstanding bowler, ruling the lanes in a local women’s bowling league.
A resident of Ephrata since 1964, Marlene was a devout parishioner of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH) Catholic Church. She was deeply committed to community leadership and public service. For over ten years, she was an active member of the Women’s Democratic Society of Lancaster, PA, serving with pride in executive leadership roles as both Treasurer and Secretary. Her extensive civic contributions were officially recognized in 2003 when the local Sertoma Club honored her as their Person of the Year.
Marlene also dedicated her time to youth leadership. She proudly served as the Den Mother for her son, Joey’s, Cub Scout troop. While she brought her signature dedication to the role, Joey somehow managed to graduate from the troop having learned absolutely nothing – a fact the family continues to enjoy laughing about.
Family Legacy
Marlene’s greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph Benjamin Battisti; her daughter, Marybeth Parkes, and son-in-law, Andy Parkes, along with her grandchildren, Tycho and Adalai Marlana. She is also survived by her son, Joseph Alexander Battisti, her grandson Joshua Battisti, and his family.
She was reunited in heaven with her father, Michael Piskel; her mother, Mary Piskel (Rymond); her sister, Carmine Manganelli; two young brothers who passed away in infancy; and her precious granddaughter, Sophia Battisti, who tragically passed away in 2022.
Service and Memorial Information
A public viewing will be held at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, located at 320 Church Ave, Ephrata, PA, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 9:00am to 11:00am. A Funeral Mass will immediately follow to celebrate Marlene’s beautiful life. Final Commendation and Farewell will take place in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Ephrata.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Marlene’s honor to Caring Hospice Services of Central PA, 101 Good Drive, Unit 1, Lancaster, PA 17603. Their compassionate care and support were an incredible blessing, and the family could not have gotten through this difficult time without them. The family is deeply grateful for all they did.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.
