Obituary of Marlene Dianne Staples

A Fredericton woman, recognized for her unwavering dedication to success, zest for life, and vibrant character, has passed away.

Marlene Dianne Staples died Sept. 9 in the palliative care unit at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital following a brief battle with an aggressive form of cancer.

The daughter of a Welsh immigrant and a Scottish heritage mother, Marlene grew up in Nackawic, west of Fredericton, where she attended school and participated in community events.

Marlene faced significant challenges from an early age as she managed the effects of epilepsy. The neurological disorder, characterized by a tendency for “recurring, unprovoked seizures,” prompted her to make an extra effort to win at life. She would often refuse assistance and find ways to resolve related issues herself. Sometimes it created additional problems but to paraphrase the late baritone Frank Sinatra “she did it her way” and was proud of it.

A graduate of the Business-Marketing program at New Brunswick Community College in Saint John, Marlene worked briefly for the New Brunswick Department of Education. She was also employed at the offices of Day & Ross in Hartland and spent close to two decades working in Fredericton for G.E. Barbours, The Food Group, and later in life at Zellers, Budget Rent a Car and Cendant.

Marlene consistently demonstrated respect for others and refrained from making negative remarks about anyone. Regardless of a person’s standing in life, the colour of his or her skin, or country of origin, it made no difference. She cared for everyone. 

Marlene was characterized by her friends as having a generous soul. 

Ongoing support of disabled artists, as well as organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation and Arthritis Society reflected an honest warmheartedness that prioritized the needs and well-being of others. 

Marlene was also known for her cheerful nature, frequent laughter, mesmerizing smile and hypnotic eyes.

Her appreciation of family was evident throughout her life as she was always eager to attend related events. She had a particular affection for her sister, Ann, nephew, Edward, and sister-in-law, Sheila.

Marlene enjoyed travelling and journeyed with her journalist husband to international locations such as Nadi, Auckland, Dunedin, London, Liverpool, Paris, and New York, where they explored new surroundings and searched for interesting stories.

Among scores of other things, Marlene, an avid Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Canadiens fan, loved to cook and was well known for her festive rum cake.

In addition, Marlene adored dogs, especially her Dalmatians, and they loved her. Possessing the ability to establish a symbiotic connection with her four-legged companions made her a favourite with Lucky, Basil, Sherlock, Nutmeg and Pumper.

Marlene will be fondly remembered by her spouse, Michael Staples, with whom she shared a deep and lasting partnership.

Aside from her husband of nearly 48 years, she is survived by one sister, Ann Steeves, of Bradford, Ont., along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Jackson; her parents, Bentley and Charline Rees of Nackawic; and two brothers, Earle and Edward, also of Nackawic.

A celebration of life service will be held Sept. 20, 2 p.m., at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Dr., Fredericton. 

Donations may be directed to a charity selected by the donor, if preferred. Personal condolences may be offered at www.yorkfh.com