Marlene Denise (Wood) Saldaña, affectionately nicknamed the "E Bunny" by her husband, began her journey to Paradise on 13 June 2016. Born on 10 January 1963 in Leonardtown, MD as a 'Honeymoon Gift' to Marvin and Tillie (Copsey) Wood of Mechanicsville, MD, Marlene beat breast cancer in 2005 but lost her battle with stomach cancer. However, she always demonstrated the steadfast courage and resolves as not to be intimidated by this deadly disease.

The Love Story that defined the bond between Marlene and Moses Pérez Saldaña Jr. of Austin, TX began 2 June 2003 with their exchange of Christian wedding vows along the bank of the Patuxent River in Mechanicsville, MD. Their union was later blessed on 17 February 2007 in the San José Catholic Church in Austin, TX.

Marlene is survived by: her parents; a step-son, Moses III (Shayna) of Gaithersburg, MD; her daughter, Mallory Jean Knott of Mechanicsville, MD; her step-daughter, Sara Ysabel Saldaña of Lynchburg, VA; a sister, Anita Claire Drury (Mark) of Mechanicsville, MD; a nephew, Chandler Wood Drury; a step-grandson; and her many devoted Saldaña Family members in Texas.

Marlene was a lifelong St. Mary's County resident who graduated from Chopticon High School in Morganza, MD in 1981. She went on to become a U.S. Navy Program Assistant for Acquisition with PEO (U&W) at Patuxent River, MD and completed over 32 years of faithful Civil Service employment. She also became a U.S. Marine Officer's wife when she married Moses in 2003. The Bunny loved gardening and was a master of the grubbing hoe. She was the incessant author of the infamous 'Honey-Do List' for Moses. However, Marlene is probably best known to many hungry Maryland Blue Crab knockers-knives-and-beer aficionados as the epitome of food service at the renowned Southern Maryland crab house, Sandgates Inn, in Mechanicsville, MD.

According to Marlene, she began perfecting her skills when she was old enough to tote a tray under the tutelage of her grandparents, Leonard Copsey Sr., and his wife, Josephine. She also learned the values of hard work as she helped her parents raise tobacco on their small farm in Mechanicsville, MD. Marlene was a well-respected competitor for many years in the local TRICODA dart league with her unique throwing style. She lived her life in one speed, wide open, with a loving heart for children and those in need. Supported and adored by her husband and daughter, she was a Fighter; she was a butterfly with iron wings. Marlene was #BunnyStrong.

The family will receive friends on Monday, 20 June 2016 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the St. John's Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD with Prayers being recited at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Service will follow on Tuesday, 21 June 2016 at 10:00 AM in the Church with Father Ray Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Hollywood, MD.

Pallbearers will be: Mark Saldaña Sr., Ralph Gray Jr., Michael Saldaña, Mario Saldaña, Jacob Boyer, and Chandler Drury. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jodie Wood, Mark Drury, Myron Buckler, Troy Buckler, David Buckler Jr., and TJ Quade. Contributions may be made to the upkeep maintenance of the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, 43927 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.