Marlene Mae Arenburg – 77, Valley. With profound sadness and a nod to a life well lived, we announce the passing of Marlene, on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. She passed as she lived - with poise, grace and the love of her family by her side, hand in hand with David, her husband of 55 years.

Marlene was a no-nonsense, loving, loyal, caring, empathetic soul who skillfully raised her family, kept friends close and lived by her life mission "I aim to please".

Marlene was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and Ethel (MacNutt) MacLean; parents-in-law, Margaret and Laird Arenburg; brother and sister-in-law, Graham and Judy Campbell.

She is survived by her husband, David Arenburg; daughter, Heidi (André) Sexton; son, Josh (Jody) Arenburg; sister, Donna Kay (Wayne Horne); grandchildren, Ian Sexton, Owen Sexton, Nicholas Sexton, David Arenburg, Murray Arenburg, Anne Margaret Arenburg, Mabel Arenburg; niece, Krista; nephews, Terry, Blaine, Trevor, Colin; extended family in Lunenburg County.

Active in business with her husband, Marlene oversaw the early days of subdivision development and house construction, and later development of Fernwood Apartments, where she made many close friends, and finally tending to a wild blueberry farm. Marlene also quietly gave many hours to her local community and was humbled to be awarded the Village Long Term Service Award.

A caring and supportive mother throughout her children’s lives, she was a steadfast presence at every Guide, Scout, baseball, soccer and hockey event they participated in and long nights at kitchen tables helping with homework and countless hours of homemaking. When her children had grown she announced they would return to her house each Sunday for her wonderful dinners; here began her latest legacy of love and family tradition. Gathering around her table each Sunday, she kept tabs on the family business and personal comings and goings. Extended family and guests were always welcome to the table and as her family grew, she thrived! Summers were spent trailering with David and memorable vacations at the family cottage with her children and grandchildren. A devoted Hockey Grandmother, winter Saturdays were spent in the local rinks, so proud to watch every grandchild grow and enjoy the sport. Her support, rink drop-offs and pick-ups, made it all work and will be dearly missed. Memories are too many to count of trips to Hawaii, cross Canada adventures, trips south and Europe, all hand in hand with David.

The family would like to thank Dr. Stephen Ellis (Village Family Physicians) and the health care professionals of South Shore Regional Hospital, Valley Regional Hospital and Colchester East Hants Health Centre for their commitment to her health. A special thanks to Dr. Jill Wong (Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Center) for helping give Marlene another year and half of life to enjoy. The family is also very appreciative for the kind words and sincere support from the extended family of Lunenburg County.

A graveside celebration of life will be held 1 p.m., Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at Bible Hill Cemetery, 41 Warren Drive, Bible Hill, The Reverend Catherine Robar officiating. Reception for immediate family and friends will follow at Masonic Lodge, Bible Hill.

In lieu of donations, as a tribute to her legacy, lend a hand where it is needed, reach out to someone who is sad or support someone who is down; provide light where there is dark and leave nothing behind but love.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Marlene’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com