Marlene H. (Mcdonald) Coleman

Marlene H. (McDonald) Coleman, 71, a longtime Wilbraham resident and benefactor died peacefully at her home on Sunday, February 28, 2016 succumbing to a long and courageous seven-year battle with end stage cancer. She endured her illness with great fortitude and her devoted husband Walter, and loving daughter Nicole remained by her side. Marlene was born in Ludlow to the late Alton �Mac� and Helen (Brosch) McDonald. She was raised and educated in Wilbraham and Springfield, graduating from Minnechaug Regional High School in 1962 and then from the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. She was employed as a Surgical Technician in the Operating Room at Ludlow Hospital for 15 years and left the area in 1998, moving to Mountain Top, PA. Marlene was deeply interested in and dearly loved everyone in her path, as well as all creatures great and small. She held a deep respect for animals and appreciated the natural beauty of God�s creation. Those who knew her will miss her beauty, charisma, generosity, her selfless ways, and the spectacle of her natural grace under pressure. Preserving her father Mac�s legacy was near and dear to Marlene�s heart. The McDonald Nature Preserve is a pristine natural land that will remain undeveloped in perpetuity for nature lovers to enjoy. She leaves her husband Walter P. Coleman of Mountain Top, PA, daughter Nicole Coleman of Jacksonville Beach, FL, sister Judith McDonald Theocles and her husband Ted�of Wilbraham, brother David McDonald, nephews; Mark Theocles, Steven Bigos and Brian Coleman, nieces; Laura Theocles Peets, Mandy Theocles Magill and Cassandra Coleman Corcoran, and many great nieces and nephews and her beloved dogs Tjark and Thalea, who instinctively never left her bedside. Marlene was predeceased by her sister Deborah McDonald and sister-in-law Geraldine McDonald. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 3rd from 4:00 � 7:00 pm at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham. Funeral Service will be Friday at 10:00 am at Wilbraham Funeral Home followed by burial in East Wilbraham Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Marlene�s name may be made to the Minnechaug Land Trust, c/o McDonald Nature Preserve, P.O. Box 455, Hampden, MA.