Marlene "Nonnie" Whitney, 94, of Spokane, passed away on October 25, 2026, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Spokane to Joseph and Rose Mary (Fiorino) Qualtieri. On March 24, 1951, she married Charles "Bus" Whitney, and together they raised their family in Spokane.

Marlene worked at Esmeralda Pharmacy and at Gonzaga University, retiring from Gonzaga.

A devoted Catholic, she was a member of Mary Queen Catholic Parish. In her later years she volunteered at Holy Family Hospital and was honored with several awards for her service. She enjoyed crocheting hats and scarves for Coats for Kids.

Nonnie made the best giant meatballs, sweet and sour pickles, and Italian cookies for the holidays. She traveled to all 50 states and many European countries, including Italy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bus, in 2010. She is survived by her children, Michael (Marian) Whitney, Kathy Lee, Retta (Dan) Warehime, and Diana (Garth) Arkell; 12 grandchildren; and numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 1 p.m. at St. Aloysius Church, 330 E. Boone Ave., Spokane, WA. Private interment will be at Fairmount Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Horizon Hospice.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Avista Senior Living and Horizon Hospice for the compassion and comfort they gave Nonnie in her final days.

Marlene "Nonnie" Whitney was loving and kind. She will be deeply missed.