Marlene Ann Arsenault

COLUMBIA - Marlene A. “Mar” Arsenault, age 66, cherished wife of Barry F. Maybin, passed away August 17, 2015, after a 3 ½ years long heroic battle with Primary Peritoneal Cancer. Mar never gave up hope to beat the odds, and was determined to create her own survival statistics. Born in Baltimore MD, she is predeceased by her parents, James and Florence Arsenault and brother James Louis. Marlene retired from AgFirst Farm Credit after thirty years of service. An accomplished sewist, she operated a home business, Sew Crazy, for several years after retirement, only to give it up when she became ill. But that didn’t stop her from sewing for friends and family. In her early mom days she was active in Girl Scouts, and was an “ice rink” mom during daughter Joy’s ice skating years. After losing her own mom to cancer, Mar began donating blood platelets to Red Cross and continued for 25+ years. As a single mom, Mar moved to Columbia for work in the late eighties and was very blessed to find the love of her life, Barry. They were married in 1989 at St Michaels and All Angels Episcopal Church. Mar’s heart has been her family and friends. She was a special friend to many, and loving and proud mom to Joy. The highlight of her later years was being “Marmie” to granddaughter Megan. A grand mother’s love cannot be measured. She has been a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and grandmother. Left to cherish her memory are husband, Barry; daughter Joy Tapley (Jon); brother Daniel Arsenault; step daughter Amanda Liggett (Ben), step son Thomas Maybin; mother-in-law Myrtle Maybin; granddaughters Megan Tapley and Ryliegh Liggett, all her countless friends, and a funny little cat, Omar. She will be remembered for her generous and quirky spirit, her ability to see the humor in life, and her limitless project plans. Marlene, Barry and Joy wish to thank many at SCOA. A special thanks goes to Dr Will Merritt (aka Dr. McDreamy), for his compassionate care and patience answering Mar’s infinite questions; Julie Dawson (Nurse Navigator) for her never ending support and guidance; and Kathy and Mary (chemo nurses) for the care and compassion given during her journey. Marlene would also like to thank her many sewing and scraping buddies, and all those who provided endless support, prayers, and cheerleading through her Caring Bridge site. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Central South Carolina, 602 Meeting Street, Suite B, West Columbia, SC 29169. Marlene’s wish is to be cremated. A memorial service will be held on at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church. Dunbar Funeral, Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.