Marlene C. Short

Marlene C. Short

May 20, 1933 - October 21, 2012

Marlene C. Short

May 20, 1933 - October 21, 2012

Obituary

Short, Marlene Coyne, wife of Lt Col Robert E. Short USMC(Ret), passed away October 21, 2012. She was born May 20, 1933 to John Joseph Coyne and Anne Heath Coyne in Pittsburgh, PA. Marlene graduated from Seton Hill College in 1955 where she was a campus leader and class officer and she was included in the 1954 edition of Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. Marlene was married to her college sweetheart Bob for over 55 years and during his career in the USMC was active in the Officers Wives Clubs, American Red Cross and Grey Ladies. Following his retirement Marlene continued to lead and serve. She joined AAUW, was a charter member and past president of The Assistance League of Saddleback Valley, an active member of P.E.O. Chapter TF, Chairman of the Guilds for the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in 1993-94, and a founding member of Placido Domingo Chapter.

While the Marine Corps provided the opportunity for Marlene to help others, it also provided an overwhelming number of friends and an amazing support system. These friends have remained at her side every step of the way on her life’s journey. Marlene lived a life of service to her family, friends and God. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Robert and his family, and by cousins Carol Heath Powers and Kimberly Heath Werner. She was predeceased by her father, mother, and brother Jack. Services will be held on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church in Lake Forest, CA. There will be a reception in the church hall following the service.

Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

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When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little–but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me–but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan,
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart,
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me–but let me go!

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9 responses to Marlene C. Short

  1. Tustin Borg says:

    I was 6 years old when my family was lucky enough to come to meet Mr. and Mrs. Short, as well as Papa and Jack, back on Andrew’s AF Base in Maryland. So quickly, they became like family to us. Anyone who ever knew the Shorts knows how warm and loving they have been through the years, and what a wonderful couple they were. I recall fondly all the holidays spent together and all the incredibly fun times. I don’t know if I’ve ever known anyone that could tell a story like Marlene or see the humor in just about any situation like she could. I’ll miss her hearty laugh and the twinkle in her eye. I’m lucky to have known such a wonderful, sweet, joyful and caring person for so long.

  2. 1 file added to the tribute wall

  3. I had the honor of giving a eulogy at Marlene’s service and have had several requests to put it on her Tribute Wall for all to see. I ad-libbed a little at the beginning and end and will try to include that as well.

    ad-lib
    I met Bob and we became good friends in 1956 when we were young !st Lts. in Pensacola going through flight training. In early 1957, while we were in Advanced Flight School, Bob disappeared for a few days and came back with Marlene. We thought we were pretty hot–flying single seat jets and we loved to sing and dance and party. Marlene fit right in and–she was also an excellent cook–she was a “keeper” indeed. Later that year we transferred to MCAS El Toro and I met my wife Joanne (who, by the way is also a great cook and a “keeper”) and our first date was a double date with Bob and Marlene. Marlene was matron of honor at our wedding and they have always been part of our family. To this day our children call them Aunt Marlene and Uncle Bob.

    Eulogy

    These are some of the words used by Marlene’s friends this week to describe her—

    Compassionate
    Kind
    Loving
    Caring
    Intelligent
    Thoughtful
    Selfless
    Gracious
    A Leader
    An Organizer
    A Volunteer
    She brought out the best in people

    Organizations she enhanced by her participation and leadership–

    Segerstrom Center For The Arts
    PEO
    Placido Domingo Chapter of the Guilds
    Assistance League
    AAUW
    O’Wives
    Red Cross
    Grey Ladies

    Marlene is in heaven now and we are here at her funeral. This is not the time for us to grieve her death, instead it’s our time to celebrate her life. Don’t ever forget Marlene. She never wanted to see people cry. She wanted to make everyone happy. So at this moment when we are about to lay her body to rest, let’s all think back and remember how Marlene touched our lives. How she made us smile and how good Marlene was as a person and a friend. This is not a moment for tears but a time for us all to be thankful that we were given the chance to have known a woman named Marlene.
    Marlene will be forever missed but I know in time I will meet Marlene again. We will all meet Marlene again and she will make us smile again…

    ad-lib
    As most of you know, Bob has been in a care facility now for a little over three years. His terrible disease has robbed him of the ability to communicate so he is unaware of Marlene’s passing. I went to see him yesterday and he is not doing well. Bob had a term of endearment for Marlene that he used often—he called her “Irish”—I told him that “Irish” is in heaven now and that she is waiting for him. His body did not comprehend, but somehow I believe his spirit did.

    Ron Blanchard

  4. Susan Short says:

    I still think of you, miss you, need you. I know that I have a guardian angel in you, one with a sense of humor and irony. Many things have changed since you’ve gone and mom is going to meet you at the doors sometime sooner than expected. Like Uncle Bob, she can no longer remember very many things and is very fair. I pray that you are all enjoying martini lunches, gourmet dinners (where you and can eat all you want and not gain weight) and Uncle bib, his salt. After dinner stingers that don’t count, dancing, singing and laughing. Above all, the laughter and the love.

    I miss all of you so much.

    Love you,

    Susie

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