Marenda Regina Perry, lovingly known as Wren, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 17, 1947, and passed away on January 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy rich in music, faith, and love. She was the beloved daughter of Ira Sheldon Delong and younger sister to Eugenia Dickerson Hopkins, with whom she shared an inseparable bond, growing up together in a warm, loving, and faithful household.

Marenda was a scholarship graduate of the Combs College of Music and also studied at the Curtis Institute of Music's prestigious Opera Department in Philadelphia. Following her successful New York recital debut in Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, Marenda's soaring soprano voice led her to perform as a soloist with renowned organizations such as the New York Oratorio Society, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the National Chorale Council and the Metropolitan Opera House.

Her notable Broadway achievements include roles as "Mama" and "Mrs. Johnson" in the Tony Award-winning production of "Raisin" and in "Desert Song." Marenda graced numerous stages around the world portraying iconic roles such as Amelia in the Fats Waller revue of Ain't Misbehavin' and Serena in "Porgy and Bess," performing at illustrious venues including Radio City Music Hall (New York City), Teatro Comunale Opera House (Florence, Italy), Theater des Westens (Berlin, Germany), and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where she became a valued member of their regular ensemble.

Renowned for her extensive repertoire spanning opera, oratorio, concert, and sacred music, Marenda's voice was praised by The New York Times as "refined and energetic." She captivated audiences across the United States, Canada, Europe, Korea, the Middle East, Israel, and Egypt. Celebrated for her versatility in music—from Bach to Ellington—Marenda performed under the baton of legendary maestros such as James Levine, Zubin Mehta, Leonard Bernstein, Sir Georg Solti, and Mercer Ellington.

Marenda married George Hamilton Richards, and together they welcomed their beloved daughter, Noelle, whom she raised with love, guidance, and dedication. Mother and daughter toured together throughout the United States and Europe, sharing the stage in numerous musicals and operettas.

Deeply committed to her faith and passionate about sacred music, Marenda served as a longtime soloist at Salem United Methodist Church in Harlem, NY, where she lovingly raised her daughter. She was also a celebrated soloist at Marble Collegiate Church in New York City and later found a spiritual home at The First Reformed Church of the Palisades in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Her heartfelt performances of classical gospel and African American spirituals earned her the affectionate title, "Soprano of Spirit," among her friends and colleagues.

Marenda took great joy in her role as grandmother, helping to raise her grandson Brendan, instilling in him a deep appreciation and passion for music, performance and God.

She is survived by her daughter, Noelle Sheldon Friedman; son-in-law, David Harold Friedman; grandson, Brendan Cole Frieson; step-grandson, Harold David Friedman; nephews, Marc Eugene Hopkins and Todd Sheldon Hopkins; Todd's wife, Renell Hopkins; and grandniece, Zain Sheldon Hopkins.

Marenda's vibrant spirit, extraordinary talent, and profound love will be cherished forever by all who knew her.

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