Tribute Wall
Saturday
21
August
Outdoor Memorial Service
2:00 pm
Saturday, August 21, 2021
Milt Dunnell Field
1 veterans circle
St. Marys, Ontario, Canada
The service will be conducted in the Lions Park located at the back of Milt Dunnell Field
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Pat Reavy posted a condolence
Thank you Marlene for your kindness and generosity. A doination has been made to the Feline Friens Network in your memory. Pat Reavy
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Chris Woods posted a condolence
So sad ago hear of your passing. I shall always remember your big smile and your laugh. Shall also miss your yearly updates but will think of you.
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Gwen Stevenson posted a condolence
Marlene, I will remember your beautiful smile and warm laugh. You took the time to get to know people and that is such a delightful trait. You will be missed. Rest in peace.
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Gordon Naylor posted a condolence
Saddened by the passing of Marlene. Prayers offered for the progress of her soul.
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Pat Reavy posted a condolence
Over the years, Marlene very generously shared so much of her understanding of Shakespeare's works with her fellow ushers and Friends of the Festival. You will be missed by all those you touched.
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Armon posted a condolence
Oh our Beautiful and dearest Marlene, What a warm hearted soul who helped our family and was a dear dear friend to my mother and really to our entire family. May she Rest In Peace. Her smile, energy and love for theatre, the Baha'i faith, and the festival was simply infectious. I still remember having her sign my copy of Take My Love to the Friends the story of Laura Davis, Stunning author and dear friend, You are dearly missed.
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pauline chachana posted a condolence
My beautiful friend Marlene, R.I.P. how I hoped to see you again. You helped me with my two girls when I needed you most. My sympathy to her loved ones. Pauline Chachana Edmonon
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Isaac & Margaret Langford posted a condolence
Marlene was a cousin & we met her at different times on our visits to Ontario. Out deepest sympathy to all her relatives & friends on the passing of Marlene. Rest in peace Marlene. Isaac & Margaret Langford Newcastlewest Ireland
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Robert Stockman posted a condolence
I wish I had gotten to know Marlene better because her knowledge of the Faith was impressive and her passion to write about Canada's early Baha'is was so strong. I enjoyed reading some of her work and we emailed back and forth about some of her research. I so enjoyed being in touch with her. And I had not realized she lived outside Stratford; I could have stopped by and had tea with her! We will all miss her.
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Tina Crossfield posted a condolence
I am very sad to hear of the passing of Marlene Macke. She was one of my first friends in St Marys when our family moved here 7 years ago. Marlene also took loving care of our cat and houseplants when we were away on vacation. She also introduced me to the Stratford theatre, and we saw several plays together. Marlene was a true, kind, and loving person. She always had a smile and words of encouragement, which were most appreciated. I will miss seeing her walking about in downtown St Marys. Rest in peace dear friend.
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Heather Harvey posted a condolence
Marlene was a loving and thoughtful soul, a scholar and a lover of language. She used her many talents to serve the Baha'i Faith which she loved so much as well as in many other venues including her beloved community of St. Mary's and the Stratford Festival Community. With Marlene I shared a love of the history of the Canadian Baha'i community and she was very supportive and helpful in my attempts to write about my area of interest in this large field. I was so happy to spend a week at the Desert Rose Writelife Retreat with her. It was also a joy to work with her on the English presentation of her play "Tabriz" in Ottawa. It was such a good production! Marlene possessed the insatiable curiosity of a researcher. She was a quick insightful thinker and thus a quick wit. I was honoured to receive her weekly updates in the last month or two of her life on this plan. I miss you Marlene,. Thank you for your friendship, which I know continues from the next world, where I am sure you are being welcomed with open arms.
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Peggy and Robet King posted a condolence
We met Marlene while working at the Stratford Festival. Over the years we loved to meet up with Marlene at openings, in the aisles of theatres, on the streets of Stratford, sometimes reading her wonderful play and offering what we could. Marlene was a ray of sunlight. I don't think I ever saw Marlene without a smile, a kind word of encouragement, a keen observation, and a total engagement with the community, world and life! thank you Marlene, it was a joy to know you. Love from Peggy Coffey and Robert King
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Eileen Armstrong posted a condolence
Marlene, kind, pure of heart, the very best of us. A good friend who will be missed, she left a huge imprint on everyone who knew her. A wonderful reward in heaven awaits Marlene for a life well lved!
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Andrea McLean posted a condolence
Marlene. You have passed. I have little words to speak except thank you.
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Rosemary, Ron, Rachel Walter & Andrew Laurenson posted a condolence
Marlene was a great cousin, I always loved to go for a visit to her place and catch up on family history. She was always very informative. I will miss visiting and talking to her.
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Brenda Hadden posted a condolence
Marlene... Always a big smile and oh that lively, lovely, calming voice. You will be missed all over this world. Such a beautiful soul.
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Francine and Mike Walsh posted a condolence
I met Marlene when we worked together in St.John's, Newfoundland in 1982. She was a great boss, extremely well organised and very efficient. She invited us to a few socials with her Bahá'í community and we became close friends who shared many meals and card games. When we were leaving Newfoundland and our house sold quicker than expected, Marlene invited us to stay with her and Boots until our departure. Throughout the years we were happy to welcome her in our home in New Brunswick and always visited when we went to Stratford to visit my husband's family. Mike and I had occasion to go to South Africa on a Rotary Friendship exchange and we met a Canadian called Christian at a Rotary meeting in the country then called Swaziland. When we asked him what brought him there, he told us that his wife was there to open a Bahá'í School. We told him that we had a friend from St Mary's that was a Bahá'í and when we told him her name, he said not only do l know her, she introduced me to my wife.... RIP Dear friend, we will miss you
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Rhona and Paul Scoffield posted a condolence
My dear husband Paul met Marlene when they were both students at Sir Sanford Fleming and became fast friends, found work together in Ottawa, actually worked in the same office and lived in the same apartment complex in their early years. Marlene was present at our wedding ceremony almost 40 years ago and read the marriage tablet from the Bahá’í writings. She was truly our “best girl” at our wedding! When I said that my husband taught her the Faith , he corrected me and said no, I only introduced the Faith to her, she soon taught me more than I could ever possibly teach her. Such was the relationship between these two long time friends. Until recently we visited Marlene regularly in St Mary’s, going for walks, getting ice cream cones at the corner of her street, drinking tea until the wee hours of the morn, pouring over some of her manuscripts for her books and plays, listening to some of the excerpts she read from her books before they were finished, visiting cat cafes and going to plays and on picnics together at the Stratford Festival. There are many many earlier memories of visits in Boston, London and Ottawa that we will always treasure . She was very accepting of her imminent passing and if you received her “newsy” newsletters she had prayers at the end about departing this world. Thank you Marlene for your generosity, your warmth, your steadfastness, and your ability to sustain and deepen our friendship over these several decades. This morning I hear your special laugh making its way into my heart and soul bringing tears of joy. Dearest cherished friend we hope to meet again in another time, another realm
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Frény Ardeshir posted a condolence
I am so far away, in Sydney and it's so hard to absorb this devastating news. If not for COVID, we'd have seen each other one last time, last July, but my plan to visit Canada had to be cancelled. You were the one I travelled to Australia with, for the first time, in 1980, and we met Dizzy G together after his gig! I will never forget the wonderful times you came to my gigs in Canada AND in Oz, or the exciting times you were at Ballet Shayda performances. Thank you for everything you did for me, particularly in those early years of our friendship. You always had so much faith in me and were such a loving, loyal friend. I always loved how you would sign off letters to me 'Best love, MM'... Rest in peace, my dearest Marlene, I miss you.
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Nancy Vermond posted a condolence
Thank you, Marlene, for your loving, generous, courageous spirit and all that you have contributed to our lives here in St. Marys. We know you are now enveloped in divine love and peace. Your legacy continues. We are so blessed to have you in our lives.
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Helen Shute posted a condolence
So sorry to hear of Marlene passing She certainly enjoyed maple syrup She was a very friendly lady
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Anne Perry posted a condolence
Marlene and I have been "literary buddies" for several years, having met at one of the ABS conferences. We shared a rare and precious ability to nurture each other's goals and critique each other's writing without ever feeling criticized by the other. When she asked me where she should winter one year in order to write, I encouraged her to go to Desert Rose Baha'i Institute in Arizona. She had never heard of it, but soon had made arrangements to spend two months there, and she continued that arrangement for the next several years, becoming the first official "artist in residence." During that time, we created the Write Life retreat, which has become an annual event (now online). Marlene inspired a Canadian migration to Desert Rose for writers and artists who could enjoy a warmer climate for a few weeks in February. Her circle of friendships through Desert Rose blossomed; many of her friends have been closely in touch with her in the months, weeks, and days before she died. We marveled at how she approach her illness and her impending death with level-headed preparation. Her last few "newsletters" to friends were full of humor, fun stories, reflections on her own health conditions, and quotes about death and the afterlife. She told us not to pray for her healing but for her steadfastness. She even worked on her own obituary as well as a practical list of what to do with her possessions when she was gone. I will miss her terribly, as will many in her orbit. But I also look forward to calling upon her and receiving inspiration from that other realm, where I hope she is blessed with joy and freedom. We love you, Marlene!
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Jaine Toth posted a condolence
Marlene was a new friend who felt like an old friend. We met through the The Write Life Writer’s Retreat at the Desert Rose Baha’I Institute in Eloy, AZ and during the couple of winters she spent here, we became very close. We encouraged each other’s writing and helped proof and edit our work, sending it back and forth via email. I enjoyed helping present some of her scripts here at Desert Rose. Her ability to bring Baha’I history to life was and will continue to be an inspiration for those perform them as well as for the audience. I’m sorry we won’t have the opportunity to continue having our friendship grow and develop, however, I look forward to receiving inspiration as I call on her for guidance from the next plane of existence where she is surely soaring free. What I most appreciate, though, is her example of welcoming her transition to the more abundant life into which she’s gone. She truly believed Baha’u’llah’s words: “I have made death a messenger of joy to thee. Wherefore dost thou grieve?”
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Maggie Whitcroft posted a condolence
I'm saddened to hear this. Marlene was one of the first people I got to know when I moved to St. Marys in 2003. Condolences to her family and friends.
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Margaret Pemberton-Pigott posted a condolence
Marlene, you will be so missed in my heart! I have always spoken of you as my spiritual mother - you taught me lovingly about the Baha'i Faith, and rejoiced with me when I became a Baha'i 49 years ago. We connected physically whenever possible and kept in touch via email through the years. You are an 'angel of heaven' now. I hope and pray our spiritual connection will never cease. My love and remembrance of you will always be in my heart. God speed, Marlene! Love Margaret
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Phyllis Spearin posted a condolence
Happy I was able to reconnect with Marlene in the last few years.
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Lorne & Nancy Eedy posted a condolence
An author. A scholar. A committed community volunteer. A first at many things. An open book, a closed book. My gym buddy. Open & Closed: - Open to discourse, observation and action. - Closed to vanity and self adoration that floods today’s world. Y: A welcome face at the YMCA. An acclaimed scholar and author unknown to most of St. Marys but famous worldwide in her Bahai Community. I suggest citizens lift their faces from smart phones and shoelaces to learn more about a true local hero. A First: Marlene was first at many things. I was honoured to sponsor her at the first female member of the Rotary Club of St. Marys. She was a courageous lamb. Marlene was one of the first to encourage my humble journey as an author, always helpful and encouraging. And, that acerbic humour: She took me aside at the gym to explain her limited time ... “I have to finish that book I am working on, and hurry up.”
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Sholeh Boyle posted a condolence
Marlene was a wonderful caring and talented friend over the many decades we knew each other through the Baha'i community. Her compassionate spirit and her radiant smile will remain in my heart and soul forever! Sholeh Boyle - Vancouver Island BC
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Larry Newton posted a condolence
Marlene's passing has left a big hole in my life. We would be together almost every Christmas except for the Australia years. That is what I will miss the most.
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lorna dale parkinson posted a condolence
I feel privileged to have known Marlene for these past number of years. A sweet, gentle soul. An emptier world without her.
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Jennifer Rendell, Torbay Nfld. posted a condolence
Marlene was a loved and appreciated member of the St. John's Bahá'í community when I was a teenager and young adult, with few responsibilities. She traveled for work, and I would move in to look after Boots, her cat. Such freedom for me, and trust from her. Recently she traveled to Newfoundland for our annual summer school. We did a dramatic reading of her play, Tabreeez, as part of the program. It was wonderful to see her again. She is missed!
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Linda Harris posted a condolence
Marlene was a talented individual who educated so many people through her writings throughout the world and in St. Marys! She was devoted to her faith, convictions and her many friends. She will be missed by so many. May the loving memories her friends and family members shared with Marlene comfort them during this difficult time!
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Monica Weise posted a condolence
Marlene will be much missed in the Bahá'í community of Canada where she was known for her writing, her positive attitude and wonderful smile.
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Wayne Newton posted a condolence
We will miss Marlene greatly. She was a big part of our family, a tremendous influence on me, and in many ways my muse. From babysitting while her parents and mine went to Expo 67 to family weddings, Christmases, and summer barbecues, Marlene was part of the fabric of our family. It has been a wonderful journey and we are so grateful that she was a part of our lives. Wayne Newton & Barbara Taylor, London ON
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Mary Smith posted a condolence
Marlene has been a friend for many years and we had some great discussions. What I will remember most is her generosity to the people she knew and the institutions she enjoyed. For example, she was a wonderful supporter of the St. Marys Museum. She will be missed.
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Edna Hill posted a condolence
Always a helpful and smiling presence in the St. James Church office. RIP Marlene.
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Joan Lang posted a condolence
Will miss your smiling face and helpful hands. Rest in peace Marlene.
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Ladjamaya posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
So happy to have been a participant in the celebration of life for Marlene. I am remembering her as an adventurer, a detailed researcher, an artistic word smith, a striver for excellence, and a lover of Baha’u’llah. I had the bounty of getting to know her during her retreats at Desert Rose Baha’i Institute as writer in residence, co-founder and co-facilitator (along with Anne Perry) of “The Write Life” an annual writing workshop at DRBI. I admired and respected her and appreciated her enthusiasm for life and delighted in directing a staged reading of her play "Tabriz". I’m sure she is smiling right now! Many blessings. Allah-u-Abha.
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Tuesday, June 22, 2021
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Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home Ltd.
47 Wellington Street South, PO Box 304
St. Marys, Ontario
N4X 1B2
Canada
Phone: 1 (519) 284-2820
Text: (519) 520-0478
Fax: 1 (855) 719-1796
Email: andrew@hodgesfuneralhome.ca
The Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home is a Class 1 funeral home
License by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario
License # 411