Marlene Moffit Manchester, age 94, of Barrington, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on August 16, 2026.

In her lifetime, Marlene was defined by her devotion to her family, her friends and her cherished pets.  Born on November 9, 1931, to Walter and Eva Moffit, Marlene spent her early years on a farm in Foster, RI.  Although life was demanding, those early years laid the foundation for what she cared about most in her life: hard work, persistence, an openness to new experiences, and a love for animals.  While she held many titles throughout her life, her true calling was found in the people and creatures she cared for.

Marlene was a woman known for her "open-door" heart, where there was always room for one more friend, one more child, or one more animal in need. To the many children and young adults that she opened her home to, she wasn’t just an adult; she was a surrogate mother, a confidante, and a source of endless support.

Her home was often a sanctuary for animals. Whether it was Manch the crazed beagle-basset hound, baby racoons Walter and Ziggy or wounded crows Tom, Dick and Harry, she believed that every creature deserved kindness and a warm place to sleep. 

Marlene had an adventurous spirit.  After graduating from Rhode Island Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1952, she and a fellow graduate traveled across the country in order to explore the glamor and excitement of Hollywood.  Marlene practiced nursing at the iconic Cedars of Lebanon Hospital, meeting new friends and caring for many of Hollywood’s finest including Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz!  Family commitments brought her back to RI where she continued to practice nursing at Rhode Island Hospital.  After meeting her future husband and love of her life, Arthur Manchester, Marlene left nursing to make a home in Barrington and raise a family.  

As her kids grew, Marlene’s desire to give to others also grew.  She volunteered for RI’s American Cancer Society chapter, later serving as Chair of the Board.  Marlene also served as Volunteer National Delegate for the RI Division of the American Cancer Society.  In addition, she volunteered for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay, the RI Philharmonic, Girls Scouts of RI, and the Alzheimer's Association, RI Chapter.  Finally, in the 1980s Marlene chaired the steering committee for the RI Department of Health's Breast Cancer Screening Program, paving the way for state legislation to be passed requiring all private health insurers to cover screening mammograms as of September 1988.

In her 60s, Marlene started what would become a fulfilling 32-year career in real estate at Residential Properties.  For her, selling real estate was a way to continue her service to others by helping them find the home of their dreams.

Marlene is survived by her children, Sean Manchester and his wife Michelle; Douglas Manchester, his wife Judy and their children Christian, Hilary and Morgan; Kirsten Dawson and her children, Emily, Samuel, Hadley, Abram and Asher; and her great grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Eva and Walter Moffit; by her husband, Arthur Manchester; and by all of her cherished pets.

Marlene will be remembered by her loving family and a wide circle of friends who will continue to honor her legacy through acts of kindness and compassion.

The family is making arrangements for a memorial service at a later date and will share details soon. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society of Rhode Island or to Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.