Imperial State Funeral
Saturday, November 8, Noon
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
1111 O’Farrell Street
“Marlena was one of a kind—a dear and loving friend, an accomplished community leader, a savvy business person, and a hell of a lot of fun to be with. Marlena’s grace, style, and wit were unmatched.”
—Mark Leno, California Statesman and friend
“Marlena was truly one of San Francisco’s best. She was always so kind to me and to so many others, and I will miss her dearly. Rest in power, my friend.”
—Scott Wiener, California State Senator
“Empress Marlena’s legacy will continue and live through the countless activists and leaders she mentored and advised, not only San Franciscans, but many within and outside of California. It was indeed my honor to name her Marlena the Magnificent, but also to proclaim her Queen Mother 1 of California. We both had strong personalities, but we respected each other. I will miss my sister of the Stonewall Generation.”
—Nicole Murray-Ramirez, Queen Mother 1 of the Americas, San Diego City/County Commissioner
“Though Hayes Valley feels a little quieter without Marlena, her legacy as a friend, neighbor, and our radiant 25th Empress of The Imperial Court of San Francisco will forever echo through every heart she touched.”
—John Carrillo, Emperor 28 After Norton
“Generous, kind, gracious, and truly a grande dame of the city, Marlena will long be remembered for her philanthropic work and her namesake bar Marlena’s in Hayes Valley. We recall how unique and inviting this gathering place was, with its Christmas decorations, which she had collected and that were displayed year-round. Marlena (the drag persona of Garry McLain) herself always made guests feel special. Etched in our memories is Marlena holding court at a party for 2013 San Francisco Pride Parade Grand Marshals. Beautifully dressed and a towering figure in every respect, Absolute Empress XXV Marlena beamed as countless men buzzed around her, honoring her regal presence. We hope that members of the Imperial Court of San Francisco and the LGBTQ+ community will continue to celebrate Marlena and to draw inspiration from her.
—Dr. Betty Sullivan and Jennifer Viegas, Co-Publishers of the San Francisco Bay Times
“From my very first involvement with the Imperial Court, Empress Marlena was a force to be reckoned with. We quickly became friends and her support for my many projects proved indispensable, so much so that she came to call me her protégé; I accepted that name humbly and gratefully. Her memory will always be with me and her loss is irreplaceable.”
—Donna Sachet, Absolute Empress XXX
In Memoriam
Published on November 6, 2025
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