Marlene P. Couture

Marlene P. Couture, 78, of Concord NH, was brought to heaven on May 28th, 2021 far before her time. She was born on April 24, 1943 the daughter of Alfred & Norma (Roy) Halden and would spend her life in New Hampshire.

Marlene was a true lover of the earth and mother nature.She was always striving to learn more about the world around her. She graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Ornithology and NHTI Community Technical College with a certificate in Bee Keeping and later pursued studies in entomology and herbology in Pembroke, NH. She always enjoyed attending workshops while camping up in Peterborough, NH, and was always happiest when surrounded by mother nature.

She had a variety of jobs throughout her life, including working as a legal secretary for the state of NH for 35 years and in between as a stay at home homemaker and babysitter to nine children, including her daughter Holly. She later worked as an ornithologist at Duncraft for 10 years where she designed and created different bird feeders and seeds, including Cardinal's Delight. Marlene was also mentioned for her work in the book "Outwitting Squirrels" as she spent much of her life studying and in fascination of red squirrels as well as pigs and skunks. Finally, Marlene donated countless hours towards volunteering at the NH Audubon Society, the Live & Let Live Farm in Chichester, NH, as well as a farm in Dunbarton where she showed her daughter Holly the joys of working with animals and birds. She also made and sold lampshades for many years to raise money for local animal shelters. You could even find her rescuing stray dogs & cats and caring for them.

Those who knew Marlene will remember her joyful laughter while telling jokes, pulling friendly pranks on others, as well as her outgoing, independent, and selfless spirit. She was always looking out for others, both humans and animal alike.

Marlene loved everything about being in nature, as she was an avid beekeeper, raising bumblebees at home, camper and boater throughout the White Mountains with her family and beloved late dogs; Ladybug, Heidi and cat Timothy. Later in life her dog Livvy, who accompanied her and her family on several hiking trips, boating, Pemi Lake, New Hampton, Lake Winnipesaukee, Echo Lake in Franconia and White Lake in Ossippee. She loved picnicking and enjoying the red squirrels and chipmunks with her daughter Holly and dog Livvy in Chocorua Lake, Mirror Lakes, spending quality time in Meredith, NH, North Conway, Glenn, NH, Gilford, NH, Lincoln, NH and visiting Clarks Trading Post, Storyland, York Animal Kingdom, the Indian Head and Museum, Hampton Beach, Old Orchard Beach and Nubble Lighthouse in Maine. She also loved shopping in Meridith, Wolfboro, Laconia, The Kellerhaus, Kittery Maine and Woodstock, VT. She was a great cook and baker and enjoyed making homemade jams & honey for her friends and family. She also loved to travel to Sea World in Florida, Foxwoods & Mohegan Sun, Amish country in Pennsylvania and to the many restaurants between New Hampshire and Boston. Some of her favorite restaurants include Newicks in Dover Point, Patrick's in Gilford, Crackerbarrel of Londonderry, Tom Docks of Meredith, Yankee Smokehouse of Ossippee, Sea Ketch of Hampton Beach, The Ashworth by the Sea in Hampton Beach, and her favorite ice cream shop was Liliukalani's of Laconia where she enjoyed ordering Black Raspberry. Most of all, Marlene loved her friends, colleagues, pets, and especially her daughter Holly, and leaves behind a wonderful legacy of kindness, peace, and love through all whose lives she touched.

Marlene is predeceased by her parents Alfred & Norma, her aunt/nanny Evelyn Roy Frappier, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and many pets. She is survived by her daughter and best friend Holly Couture of Concord, NH, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and two cats Porter & Bonnie.

Calling hours for Marlene will be held on Monday, June 7th from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Phaneuf Funeral Homes, 243 Hanover St. Manchester NH. with a service at 6:00 PM led by Father Moe from Ste. Marie's Church. She will be laid to rest at the Blossom Hill Cemetery in Concord, NH the following day at 11:00 AM with a prayer service led by Fr. Elson. We will be meeting at the Olive Garden in Concord for lunch afterwards and all are welcome to attend.

In Marlene's memory, donations can be made to the Ironwood Pig Sanctuary in Tuscon AZ, the Live & Let Live Farm in Chichester, NH, Clarks Trading Post in Lincoln, NH, or the New England Aquarium in Boston.