Marlena “Marli” Elyse Batalla, age 26, went to be with the angels on April 7, 2019. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, on November 7, 1992. Marli was the essence of goodness and selflessness.

Marli loved her family deeply and is survived by her Mother and Step-Father, Deborah and Michael Krecker; her Father and Step-Mother, Roland and Jenny Batalla; her Sisters, Haley Batalla, Brittany Krecker, Kristin Krecker-Garcia and Tamara Krecker-Pratt; her Brothers, Zach Waggoner and Roman Batalla; her Nana and Grandpa, William and Patricia Fulmer; her Grandma Jan, Janet Krecker; her Grandpa Ray, Ray Tillman; her Mima, Margarita Hill; her Aunts and Uncles, William Fulmer Jr. and Sallie Fulmer, Doris Portuondo, Eddie Portuondo, Mark and Mindy Krecker, Melissa Margelos; her Cousins, Danny Portuondo, Danielle and Noah Horne, Ryder Fulmer, Carissa Angresano, Kimberly, Jennifer, and Michelle Krecker, along with many second cousins. Additionally, Marli is remembered by a large extended family and hundreds of friends, all of whom she loved dearly. Marli was preceded in visiting heaven by her Abuela and Abuelo, Rolando and Dora Batalla, Grandpa Fred Krecker and other precious family members.

Marli was the brightest star in our universe and touched every life she met with complete acceptance and all of the love in her heart. She never met a stranger and would do anything for anyone without hesitation. Her infectious smile and happy laughter will forever be in our hearts. Her spirit will be our warmth on cold days, it will comfort us when our hearts are weary. Until we are joined again in heaven we’ll be thinking of you always.

“I’ll be seeing you in all the old, familiar places, that this heart of mine embraces all day through” - Billie Holiday