It was as if a sword went through my heart the day I heard my dear friend and sister in the Lord, Marlene, passed from this earth into her Heavenly reward. I'd remembered just weeks before her telling me over the phone that she felt she needed to prepare to move but that she didn't know where she would be moving to yet. Little did she know that a magnificent mansion in Heaven would be her new home!

Marlene and I met in Sudbury in church many years ago; we'd even shared an apartment together for a short while. Our  times together were always filled with joy and laughter. Marlene always felt like family to me. She had something different about her and that was her tremendous love for her Saviour, Jesus, and it showed! There was a sparkle in her eye that captured the hearts of all in her presence. Everyone loved her and she loved them. Her greatest joy was to do the will of the Father and she did this with all of her heart. She was a prayer warrior second to none.

Her life hadn't been easy but her faithfulness to her husband was an example to any woman. Her devotion to her family and faithfulness in training her eight children in the knowledge of the Lord were a tribute to her. I had the privilege of meeting many of them in their homes. She fervently prayed and believed God for their salvation always.

Obeying the Lord led her into some dire circumstances but she always faced them fearlessly leading more souls into God's Kingdom. The jewels in her crowns in glory will be many indeed! Wherever you'd find Marlene, you'd find a gathering of smiling people all wanting more of her love and company. She had so much to give and she gave it with all her might!

In her life she'd experienced angels, healings and unusual situations and she praised God through them all! Now as she's joined Heaven's company, she looks for each of her family to come through Heaven's pearly gates one day as well as all the multitudes of people she pointed in Heaven's direction. Our loss is heaven's gain. I miss and love you, Marlene. You are an example to us all. Until we meet again.