Age 90
A quiet, determined woman who knew how to get things done by collaborating with others, Sister Marlene provided leadership throughout her life as an educator, an innovator and a community member.
She entered the Sisters of Mercy at the age of 18 in Providence, Rhode Island. Sister Mary Maris Stella Laliberte, RSM, was her sister. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Catholic Teachers College in Providence, Rhode Island, a master’s degree in French literature from Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts and a master’s degree in educational management from Leslie College in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
In her first ministry as a teacher at Our Lady of Mercy School for eight years in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, she coordinated the junior high program and initiated the foreign language program. Next, she served for 21 years at St. Mary Academy-Bay View in Riverside, Rhode Island, first as a teacher for two years, then vice-principal for two years and finally as principal for 17 years.
Witnessing the huge influx of refugees from Southeast Asia, she founded Genesis Center in Providence, Rhode Island, to assist with English as a Second Language and prepare for citizenship. During her time over 5,000 people became American citizens from 22 countries. In 2000, called by the former regional community of Providence, Rhode Island, she served for six years on the last leadership team before the merger to the Northeast Community.
After leaving leadership, Marlene spent her time in mission advancement and living at St. Antoine’s, an assisted living residence, in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, where she brought her listening ear and kind words to her companions.