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MARIAN, Arlene Marie (nee Maher) - passed away with her loving family at her side in Niagara-on-the-Lake on October 1, 2019 on the feast day of St. Therese of Liseaux. Arlene was born in Seattle, Washington on October 5, 1939 and resided in Niagara-on-the-Lake at the time of her passing. As the youngest of four children and the daughter of Irish and Italian immigrants she grew up surrounded by those that tilled the land. Upon graduating from college in 1960, she met a U.S. Coast Guard officer from Bayside, New York and embarked upon a lifetime of love when she married Thomas Paul Marian on August 26, 1961. Their marriage journey took them to Louisiana in 1961 to California that same year, thence to New York in 1968 and ultimately to Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1975. It was an adventure that suited her desire to explore the world beyond her birthplace; to broaden her horizons academically; to challenge her children to achieve the loftiest of goals; and to foster her love with her devoted husband. Likewise, she strove to always better herself as reflected in her earning of a Masters of Medical Biology in 1975 and her subsequent positions as a professor at Niagara College, Brock University and Niagara University over a span of 30 years.
Arlene’s commitment to others was praiseworthy and knew no bounds. Her gregarious demeanor and mischievous wit - combined with her extraordinary compassion - drew family and friends into her ever expanding social orbit. Whether she was offering sage advice on the golf course, yearning to perfect her tennis serve, goading her husband to improve his bridge game or swimming laps, she always found the time to bake, knit, give advice to all her children’s friends and offer prayers for anyone in need. Yet, her greatest joy was her family. Nurturing five children that spanned 15 years was her passion that entailed dispensing academic advice, wisdom on marriage, child rearing tips, battling maladies, matters of faith and a host of other topics. They were her crown jewels and their needs and petitions were constantly on her mind.
Imbued with an entrepreneurial spirit, Arlene transformed her house into a bed and breakfast as the older children departed for college. Her culinary genius and ability to create order out of chaos, regardless of the many demands she shouldered, delighted those that sat at her table. In her later years, she and Tom wintered in Florida where they enjoyed the friendship of the St. Brendan’s community. No matter the setting, Arlene found joy in the moment and never tired of the laughter and mirth such gatherings would bring. While her love for her family eclipsed all, her generosity was such that she never met a stranger and was always willing to share what she was blessed to have.
Arlene is survived by her husband Thomas Paul Marian, her five children Tom Marian, John Marian, Melissa Vasquez, Marcia Burke, Erin Carrique; her daughters-in-law Nancy Marian and Melinda Marian; sons-in-law Michael Vasquez, Sean Burke, and John Carrique; 17 grandchildren; one great grandchild; her brother Jim Maher; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Phillip and Ann Maher and her sisters Catherine and Pat.
The family will receive friends at MORGAN FUNERAL HOME, 415 Regent St., Niagara-on-the-Lake, on Friday from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated for Arlene at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake on Saturday at 11 am. Interment will follow.
“The time is here for me to leave this life. I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the Faith.” 2 Timothy 4:6
Those who wish may make a memorial donation to the Canadian Food for Children.
Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morganfuneral.com