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!