Obituary of Marlene Cyr
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear mother, Mary Marlene Cyr, wife of the late Romeo Cyr, at her residence in Passamaquoddy Lodge in Saint Andrews, NB on Saturday, May 29th, 2021. Born March 10th, 1935 in Saint John, she was the daughter of the late E. Gertrude Hayes (Mckenna) and Joseph Francis Hayes.
Marlene is survived by her loving children: Jacques (Leslie) of Dartmouth, Michèle Leger (Paul) of Saint Andrews, Marc (Dawn) of Toronto, Robert (Tara) of Fredericton, Giselle Neil (Steve) of Saint Andrews; her grandchildren: Emily, Luke, Lillie, Philip, Jocelyn, Danielle, Michael, Liam, Aidan (Hannah), Lauren, Colin, Kate, Gregor and Grace; one great-grandson Frederic, as well as one more on the way; sister-in-law Leone Cyr, several nieces and nephews and cousins. Besides her parents, Marlene was predeceased by her sister, Maureen and brother, Donald.
Over the past 12 years, everyone admired Marlene's dedication and care to Romeo as he courageously fought Alzheimer's Disease. She never left his side and always put his needs ahead of her own. It was a love-filled relationship that blossomed and flourished for 61 years.
For the two of them, family was a priority – from Marlene's Mother being welcomed into their home, to raising the five children that came after. Each one of Marlene's children, followed by each of her grandchildren, was made to feel special and was encouraged and supported unconditionally. Mom was always proud of her family. Her enduring love will live on.
Marlene was Irish Catholic and she had a deep faith that she embraced and shared with Romeo and her children and many others. Marlene shared her passion and her tremendous musical talents in the ministry of the church to make Mass celebrations more meaningful for all. She was a classically trained pianist, organist, pipe organist, and vocalist. Marlene lent her musical skills at many parishes including St. John the Baptist, St. Rose of Lima and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. She enriched many weddings and funerals.
Mom was a mom to many and welcomed all of our friends. One of the many things was to deliver her kids and their friends to their many activities - choir practice, band practice, dance class, and hockey to name a few. Those that caught a ride with Marlene sometimes would comment at their surprise to her sense of urgency while driving, given her otherwise gentle demeanor. Mom's lunch treats were also a hot seller. Chocolate chip cookies and tea bread or banana bread were a lucrative commodity in the high school hallways at lunchtime. Nothing could compare to the cozy sweaters, hats and mitts that she made for her children.
Our family will be forever grateful to her physicians Dr. Sean Keyes Sr., Dr. Neil Young, Dr. Robert Stevenson, Dr. Sean Dolan, the staff at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Charlotte County Hospital and the caring staff at Passamaquoddy Lodge and Shannex Quispamsis and, in particular, Jackie Sherrard. A very special heart felt thank you to Linda Dow for her dedication and kindness in her care for Mom. Your efforts over the past few years and in particular over the past few months are truly cherished and will not be forgotten. Thank you!
Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). A private Mass of Christian Burial will take place from Holy Spirit Parish- St. Rose Worship Site. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to the Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Please place online condolences and remembrances at www.BrenansFH.com.
