After working as a secretary, in advertising, and as an air hostess, Marlena married Michael Jeffery, an officer in the Pacific Islands Regiment, in 1967. She has lived in Papua New Guinea, Australia and England. During her time in PNG she lobbied for better housing and conditions for army families, and she established preschool centres at Enoggera and Holsworthy Barracks. Her husband was Governor of WA 1993-2000 and for her work as patron of over 50 organizations during this time, Marlena was made a "Citizen of Western Australia".
