Marlene Mcbride Fisher

Marlene McBride Fisher, 66, died peacefully at home on April 5, 2021, surrounded by her family. After a courageous battle with cancer, her death was a testament to the way she lived her life—full of dignity, strength, and love. Marlene was the daughter of Dr. John T. McBride and the late Ellen (Odland) McBride of Greenville, RI. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, John Fisher, their three adult children: Rebekah Whitesel (Aaron) of Auburn, MA, Sarah Fisher (Ryan Wheeler) of East Greenbush, NY, and Dan Fisher (Colleen) of Malvern, PA, and 6 grandchildren, including one grandchild born the week of her passing. She is also survived by her brothers Dr. Jack McBride (Deb) of Avon, CO, and Bob McBride (Kinne) of Southborough, MA, and sister Kris (McBride) Root of Macungie, PA, many brothers- and sisters-in-law, and many more adoring nieces and nephews. Originally from Greenville, RI, Marlene graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1976 and went on to dedicate her professional life to early childhood education. She earned a master’s degree in special needs education and spoke often and lovingly of her “little friends”. She loved plants and loved teaching her students and her children about the natural world around them. While undergoing chemotherapy she fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a master gardener. Marlene met her husband John and made countless lifelong friendships through the Episcopal Conference Center in Pascoag, RI. Attending as a camper, then a counselor, and years later as a volunteer staff member, Marlene always held the love and communion of ECC close to her heart. Marlene was a woman of deep faith and that faith sustained her throughout her illness. She radiated God’s love through her daily actions, quietly but fiercely. Selfless to the end, Marlene spent her final weeks baking cookies for her father and making gifts for her grandchildren. Marlene and John lived in various places over the years: in Wrentham, MA, Orange, CA, and, most recently, South Kingstown, RI. Wherever they went, Marlene maintained old friendships while building new ones, always making each feel as special as the next. But her greatest love was always her family, especially her precious grandchildren. “Gramma” gave great hugs, knew a song about everything, could create an educational (and fun!) activity out of anything, and always had the best books. Marlene did not care much about material things, but she cared deeply about people. She touched so many lives, and all of us are better for it. It was an honor to call her our wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and teacher. A memorial service will be held at the Episcopal Conference Center (872 Reservoir Road, Pascoag, RI 02859) at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 29, 2021. Family and friends are welcome to attend in person or via Zoom (details forthcoming). In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Marlene’s memory to the Episcopal Conference Center: https://www.ultracamp.com/donations/donationselection.aspx?idCamp=380&campCode=ECC&idDonationCategory=396.