Collins (Mullenger) Marlene B. 77, Halifax/Amherst died at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Amherst on Sunday, February 22, 2009. Marlene was born in Halifax, the daughter of the late Capt. H. Lawson Thomas, O.B.E. and Doris (Garrison) Thomas. She was a graduate of the Halifax Ladies College and Maritime Business College.

Marlene loved sports and dedicated herself to many organizations over the years. In 1963 she was a member of the Mayflower Ladies Curling Team that represented Nova Scotia at the Dominion Diamond "D" Curling Championship. Named Sport Nova Scotia Executive of the Year (1975). She was Nova Scotia's representative on the National Advisory Council on Fitness and Amateur Sport (1975 - 1980). In 1994 Marlene was inducted as a Life Member of Sport Nova Scotia. She was a volunteer Treasurer on the Board of Sport Nova Scotia for five years and on staff for seventeen years, retiring in 1993.

Marlene was Past President and Charter member of the Mayflower Ladies Curling Club; a member of the Amherst Golden Years Society, Amherst Curling Club and Amherst Golf Club.

Marlene was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Sister and will be missed. She is survived by her husband, Eanis Collins; son Doug Mullenger, Halifax; daughters, Susan (Gordon) MacIntosh, Dartmouth/Waternish; and Maureen Bremner (Les Kakonyi), Bedford; grandchildren, Ryan Armitage, Rachel Mullenger, Robyn Bremner, Andrew Mullenger and Allyson Bremner; great-grandson, Dylan Armitage; brother, Graham (Joan) Thomas, Bedford/Florida; sister, Ann (Alex) Gardiner, Lower Sackville; nieces and nephews. Step-son Jim (Vi) Collins, East Lawrencetown; step-daughter Sherry Collins and friend, Ann Roy, Amherst; three step grandchildren and seven step great grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service conducted by Rev. Alex Gardiner, will be held on Wednesday February 25, 2009, at 1 pm, from Furlong Jones Funeral Home, 68 Church Street, Amherst (902-667-8777), reception to follow. Burial in the Amherst Cemetery in the spring. Visitation at the funeral home on Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Cumberland Palliative Care or a charity of the donor's choice. www.furlongjones.ca