Marlene Lesley Fitzpatrick

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Marlene Lesley (née Corkum) Fitzpatrick passed away peacefully at home on September 28, 2026, at the age of 73, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 17, 1952, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the eldest daughter of Howard and Dorothy (née Smith) Corkum, who preceded her in death.

Marlene is survived by her beloved husband of fifty years, Paul; her children, Brendan (Angela), Lindsay (Patrick), and Erin (Kevin); her siblings, David, Patty, John, Kathryn, Judy, and Jeff; and her cherished grandchildren: Jake, Henry, Mary, Emmeline, Cora, Jack, Frank, Maeve, Declan, Emily, and Olivia.

Affectionately known as ‘Mimi’ to her family, Marlene was raised in Stoneham, Massachusetts. An excellent student and captain of the Majorettes baton team, she could still impress with her twirling ability 40 years later. She attended the University of Rhode Island and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, beginning a forty-year career as a Registered Nurse. Tenderly and expertly caring for her patients, Marlene’s extensive career took her from Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston to the operating room at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas to Labor & Delivery at Seton Hospital in Austin. She then served on the nursing staff of Mark Akin, MD for decades and became a cherished member of the Austin Area OB/GYN practice. Thousands of women and babies in their most vulnerable moments received the gentle, wise gift of Marlene’s care.

Marlene met Paul in their Stoneham High School English class as juniors and fell in love as both pursued undergraduate studies at URI and the University of Notre Dame. They married on August 28, 1976 and moved to Abilene, Texas, where Paul flew the C-130 Hercules with the U.S. Air Force. After short moves to Cary, North Carolina, and Dallas, Texas, Marlene & Paul settled in Austin, Texas where they raised their three children and richly contributed to the life of their beloved parish, St. Ignatius Martyr. They embraced the joy of retirement by traveling the world, including pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Lourdes, and Fatima, and spending summers in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, where they loved to kayak, hike, and welcome family and friends in generous hospitality.

Marlene & Paul relocated from Austin to St. Louis in July 2024 to share the ordinary delights and goodness of daily life with children and grandchildren. Marlene was never happier than when holding a grandbaby, playing on the floor with a toddler, or cheering on a grandchild. Being known and loved as Nana was her singular delight. Always a woman of profound faith and prayer, Marlene grew in devotion to her daily rosary and the graces of Eucharistic Adoration.

Marlene leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Her greatest legacy will be the love she shared with her family and the memories that will remain in their hearts forever. She will be deeply missed by her family and all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Nurses for Newborns.

May Marlene rest in the eternal peace of Christ.

Visitation will be held at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109 on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 4-7pm.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church 6303 Nottingham Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109 on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by Committal at Resurrection Cemetery, 6901 MacKenzie Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123.