ROCKPORT — Arlene M. Marriner, 85, died peacefully Sept. 17, 2015, at home with her loving husband by her side, on her 85th birthday.

Born in Belfast, she was the daughter of Avis Beals. Arlene attended Belfast grammar schools before moving to Saco, where she attended Thornton Academy.

As a young woman, Arlene moved to Camden, where she lived with her grandmother. While riding in a pickup truck one day she stopped at the filling station on the corner of Union and Main streets in Camden. There, the station owner's son, a young man named Gilbert Marriner, filled up the truck and washed the windshield, all while taking a liking to Arlene. Gilbert and Arlene began courting and the two were married on Easter Sunday, April 17, 1949. For more than 66 years they have enjoyed each others company and were loyal companions.

Together with her husband, Arlene was co-owner of Marriner's Paving, where she served as bookkeeper for more than 45 years. The couple made their home in Rockport and also enjoyed their winter home in Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Arlene was a talented crafter. Whether it was folding napkins into an art form, painting rocks or turning egg cartons into beautiful creations, she had the knack for arts and crafts. She loved sports, especially golf, even getting two holes-in-one at her favorite Par 3 course in Boca Raton, Fla. In her younger years, she was a top bowler at the Lucky Strike Bowling Lanes in Camden. She followed the Miami Dolphins religiously, and enjoyed placing friendly wagers on the games with her son-in-law. The Boston Red Sox also held a special place in her heart.

Arlene was a strong-willed, outspoken lady who loved a good political debate. You never had to wonder which side of an issue she was on; and if you did wonder, it wasn't long before the Fox News program she loved to watch would clear up any question in your mind.

She had a soft spot for animals, especially her beloved kitty, Muffy. She was always meticulously dressed, most often in some shade of yellow. She also loved to shop and provide her loved ones with unique gifts. Her family was a source of pride and she took great joy in being around them. She will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

Arlene is survived by her beloved husband and loyal companion, Gilbert “Gil” Marriner of Rockport; her daughter, Linda Durrell and her husband, Stephen, of Edgecomb; her twin sons, Michael Marriner and his wife, Sheila, of Lincolnville and Rotunda, Fla., and Jeffrey Marriner and his wife, Ivy, of Owls Head; five grandchildren, Heather Robinson of Portland, Sarah Marriner of Searsmont, Tiffany Marriner of Union, Zachary Marriner of Marietta, Ga., and Stacy McCarthy and her husband, Jason, of Durham; and one great-granddaughter, Sydney Robinson of Portland.

Family and friends are invited to visit Monday, Sept. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A celebration of her life will be held Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. at Rockland Congregational Church on Limerock Street. The Rev. Seth D. Jones will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice, 170 Pleasant St., Rockland, ME 04841, or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Donation Department, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.