Marlene Langille-Bates – 78, Brule Point.
They will have to make room for one more at the card table. Marlene left her final earthly bridge game on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, after less than 24 hours in Moncton City Hospital. We knew she wouldn’t have many more years with us, but we didn’t expect her to be gone so soon.
Over the years, Marlene worked for many family doctors in Truro. After retiring, she spent much of her time in her vegetable and flower gardens. Marlene grew the most beautiful peonies and clematis vines and always had the best beet greens and carrots. However, her real forte was baking. Her coconut cream and lemon meringue pies were prize winners. Whenever there was a get-together with food, someone would ask, "Is Marlene making a pie?"
After selling her family home in Truro, Marlene spent time in Moncton with her son Joel's family and in Brule with her sister, Lorelei, and her sister-in-law, Candace. These times provided many fun and cherished memories in Marlene’s later years.
Along with a love-hate relationship with the Minnesota Vikings and the Blue Jays, Marlene loved playing cards. She felt fortunate to have been welcomed into the Riverview and Shediac bridge clubs. She regularly played bridge up to five days a week and would even sneak in a crib game on some evenings.
While in Brule, Marlene reunited with friends from school: Annette and Susan. They, together with her sister-in-law, Billie (Adele), met for lunch every few weeks. These gatherings would last for hours. The remaining "lunch gang" will continue this tradition in Marlene’s memory.
Marlene was born in Valley to her loving parents, Elmer and Lillian Langille (both deceased). She was predeceased by her husband, Richard, and is survived by her son, Joel, and his wife, Lisa; loving grandchildren, Ross and Colt; brother, Walter; sister, Lorelei; sister-in-law, Candace; nephew, Ancel; niece, Heidi; brothers-in-law, Lyle (Carol), Harry (Adele), Kirk (David); friends, Margie Keddy, Richard Edison, Matt Young.
Special thanks to everyone who helped with Marlene’s care and supported the family during this time, especially Dan and Vicki Fowler, who sacrificed a great deal of their time and to whom we are all very grateful. Additional thanks to Martha Ferguson, Dr. Karla Armsworthy, and Dr. Don Rowe for their kindness and compassion.
Marlene did not want a funeral. Instead of sending flowers, please take a moment to appreciate them. Feed the birds and chipmunks and keep them safe. Give your pets an extra hug. Do a kind deed. If you wish to donate, Marlene loved wildlife, so supporting Hope for Wildlife would make her happy.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com