Obituary of Marlene Diane Edwards

Marlene Diane Edwards, 74, of Upper Lakeville, passed away at home on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Born in Cheminis, Ontario on August 18, 1951, she was a daughter of the late Samuel Ricci and Marjorie Edwards. Marlene began her working life at a financial institution where she was employed as a secretary. She later devoted several years to being a stay-at-home mother, a role she cherished deeply. Returning to the workforce, she was employed with Masonview Homes, a Nova Scotia–based organization providing supportive, community-based housing for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, as well as mental health challenges. She later worked at the Missanabie Mine and in the oil fields all throughout northern Alberta, in later years, as a cook at Loch Island Fishing Lodge in Northern Ontario, where she combined her love of cooking with her appreciation for the outdoors. Marlene found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved playing bingo, cooking for family and friends, exploring the wilderness, travelling, storytelling, and photography. She had a deep passion for researching her family history and took great pride in learning and sharing stories of her roots. Fiercely independent and strong-willed, Marlene was especially proud of her sons and grandchildren, who were the center of her world. She also dearly loved her fur babies, Flynn, Matty, and Rider. She is survived by her sons, Daniel and James Dobson, both of Upper Lakeville; her beloved grandchildren, Brittany Ann, Brandon, Micah, and Seth; and her siblings: Mervin (Sheila), Mushaboom; Brian Edwards and Susan Boutilier, both of Sheet Harbour; Violet (Oliver), Mushaboom; Olive “Punky” (Ron) Ring, Cole Harbour; Debra “Turkey” Boutilier, Halifax; Marybell “Tubby” Boutilier, Spry Harbour; Helen “Charlie” (Kevin), Mushaboom; Elona “Fuzzy” (Greg), Pottie, Dartmouth; and Annie Saint, Morinville, Alberta. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her stepfather, Potter Boutilier, and her brother, Anthony “Barry” Boutilier. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Marlene will be remembered for her strength, her stories, her laughter, and the deep love she held for her family.