Marlene Louise Canty

1936 - 2021

Marlene Louise Canty passed away peacefully on March 18 after a short illness. She was born on November 17, 1936, on a small farm in southern Illinois not far from New Baden. She celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary with her husband, Walter, last September. She is survived by her husband and three children, Alison, Tim and Mark along with seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Irene and Arthur Schneider, and her sister, Cleo Hofbauer.

Marlene and Walter moved frequently on assignments in several states during their 36 years with Shell Oil Company finally settling in Kingwood in 1974. During those years, she was always the one active in their church, PTA and many other civic organizations- often in leadership positions. Her optimistic attitude and strong work ethic was recognized by all her knew her.

After settling in Kingwood, the family joined the Kingwood United Methodist Church, and it was there that she was one of the founders of the KUMC chapter of the Society of St. Stephen. That charity became her passion, and she served as its Director for many years. Even after retiring from that position, she was called back again on two separate occasions to take up the Director's duties. She received many awards for her service with SOSS and KUMC, and will be remembered fondly by her many friends and colleagues.

When entering any store, restaurant or shop in the Kingwood area, she was always greeted by the salutation, "Hi, Marlene". Her husband always joked that he never achieved that kind of name recognition, and on those rare occasions when he entered those establishments alone, he was always greeted by "Oh, you're Marlene's husband". To him, that was always a badge of honor, and he will always cherish those memories.

Due to the current covid restrictions, there will be no formal services. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and other expressions of love for Marlene, the family requests that all gifts in her honor be sent to the Society of St. Stephen at the Kingwood United Methodist Church, 1799 Woodland Hills Drive, Kingwood, TX 77339.