Marlene Lausier

GARDINER – Our beloved and cherished Marlene Lausier died on Christmas Day 2021, at Glenridge Long Term Care with her loving daughter and favorite staff by her side.Marlene lived a full life, inspiring her family and friends with her fun and faithful ways.The only daughter of Clifford and Mildred Flewelling Bailey, Marlene was born Sept. 14, 1935 in the family home in Crouseville, Maine. She told many tales of picking potatoes with her brothers Ronnie and Phil up in the county. Later the family moved to Kents Hill to manage the farm for the Kents Hill School and then to Winthrop Center to manage the farm for the Bailey Estates where her younger brother, Dennis was born, much to Marlene’s delight. Marlene graduated from Winthrop High School in 1954 and married her classmate, Lester Wood who she adored. They raised three children, Timothy, Tom and Tina. After living many years in Massachusetts, Marlene appreciated returning to Maine and living on Narrows Pond enjoying badminton, croquet, cookouts, card games, swimming, ice skating and golf outings with her friends, beloved brothers and their families.Marlene also enjoyed her many years of work for Cottles, Shop-n-Save and then Hannaford where she offered a cheery smile and welcome in the courtesy booth and check-out.She was a member of Natanis Golf Course and president of the Natanis Women’s Golf Association for four years. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Gardiner serving as a Deacon and active member of the Grace Arbor Mission Society and Baptist Ladies of Christian Service.In 1986 she gave marriage a second try and embarked on a new adventure with Ray Lausier. These were rich years of grandchildren, travel, golf and lobsters! Marlene inspired us with her joy, laughter, courage and compassion.Marlene was predeceased by her parents, her husband Ray Lausier, her son Timothy Wood, her ex-husband and friend, Lester Wood, brothers Ronald Bailey, Phillip Bailey, and sister in-law Betty Bailey.She is survived by her son, Tom Wood of Farmingdale, granddaughter Jennifer Wood and her partner Rudolfo Hernandez and great-grandchildren, Trent and Jayden of Florida.Her daughter, Tina Wood and husband Robert Kus of Gardiner, grandchildren Evan Kus, Dover, NH and Til Kus of Philadelphia, PA. Brother Dennis Bailey and his wife Rose Bailey of Florida. Sister-in-law Nancy Bailey of Winthrop and cousin Jane Knight. She took special interest in her many dear nieces and nephews and their families, Bill, Janice, Scott, Mark, Shelly, Dean, Troy, Lisa, Lori, and Paul.Through the tender, cheerful, loving care she received at Glenridge, Marlene lived a full life to the end with Alzheimer’s. We honor and thank the staff. Maine General Hospice provided expert guidance, support and comfort. We give mighty thanks to her exceptional hospice nurses.A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 8 at 10 a.m., at the First Baptist Church, Church St. in Gardiner. Burial in Old Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery will be held in the spring.Through Marlene’s life her friends and faith at First Baptist Church gave her love, friendship and prayer. Arrangements are by Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner where condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website famlyfirstfuneralhomes.com.Donations may be made in her memory to First Baptist Church, 47 Church Street, Gardiner, Maine, 04345.