Marlene Crossman Obituary, Death – Amherst Theatre Manager Remembered After Tragic Death at 59

The communities of Amherst, Nova Scotia, and Sackville, New Brunswick, continue to remember Marlene Cheryl Arsenault Crossman, whose tragic death on October 12, 2023, at the age of 59 left her family, friends, colleagues, and many others devastated.

Marlene was a beloved mother of two sons and a familiar face in the local business community. For several years, she served as manager of the Amherst Theatre, formerly known as Cineplex, where her dedication, kindness, and commitment to her work earned her the affection and respect of colleagues and customers.

Her death occurred at her home on King Street in Sackville, New Brunswick. Her husband, Roger Hilyard Crossman, later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with her death and was sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2026, with no possibility of parole for 24 years.

Remembering Marlene Cheryl Crossman

Born on May 24, 1964, in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Marlene was the daughter of the late Gail and Borden Arsenault. She graduated from Amherst Regional High School and went on to build a working life that included several positions in retail, management, and customer service.

As a young mother, she managed her brother’s Amherst Home Brew Store. She later managed several gas stations in the Amherst, Sackville, and Moncton areas before becoming manager of the Amherst Theatre.

Marlene was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. Through her leadership, she mentored young employees and helped many of them develop valuable workplace skills as they began their careers.

The Amherst Theatre paid tribute to her following her death, remembering her as a caring leader and valued employee whose energy, kindness, and love for the theatre would be deeply missed.

Marlene Crossman’s Greatest Joy Was Her Family

Above her professional responsibilities, Marlene’s greatest happiness came from her children and family.

She was a devoted mother whose two sons meant everything to her. Despite dealing with medical challenges, she continued working full-time to support her family and remained committed to the people she loved.

Her obituary described her as loving, thoughtful, and caring. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, getting away from her regular responsibilities, and creating memories with those closest to her.

Marlene is survived by her sons, Corey Crossman and his wife, Joann, of Amherst, Nova Scotia, and Bradley Crossman and his partner, Charlotte Liang, of Fredericton, New Brunswick.

She is also survived by her brother, David Arsenault and his wife, Janet; her sisters, Bonnie Arsenault and Cindy Allen; her sister-in-law, Darla MacPherson; her brother-in-law, Leslie Crossman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her parents-in-law, David and Marian Crossman.

Circumstances Surrounding Her Death

Marlene died at her home in Sackville on October 12, 2023. The RCMP investigated her death as a homicide after officers discovered her remains during a wellness check.

Her husband, Roger Hilyard Crossman, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in September 2026. Court proceedings established that he had killed Marlene at their home. In November 2026, he was sentenced to life imprisonment, with parole eligibility after 24 years, alongside an additional concurrent prison term for interfering with human remains.

The case brought further attention to the tragic circumstances of Marlene’s death and the loss experienced by her family and community.

Funeral Arrangements and Memorial Tributes

Following her death, visitation was held at Campbell’s Funeral Home on Church Street in Amherst on October 18, 2023.

Her funeral service took place the following day at First Baptist Church in Amherst, with Rev. Byron Corkum officiating. Burial followed at Fenwick Cemetery.

In place of flowers, the family requested donations in Marlene’s memory to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Autumn House, or another charity of the donor’s choice.

A Lasting Memory of Marlene Crossman

Marlene’s death left a deep sense of loss among her family, friends, former colleagues, and the many people who knew her through her years of work.

The Amherst Theatre remembered her as a dedicated manager whose smile, kindness, and leadership made a lasting impression on those around her. Her contributions to the workplace and the relationships she built remain part of the memories shared by people who knew her.

Heartfelt condolences remain with her sons, extended family, friends, and everyone affected by her tragic death.

May Marlene Cheryl Arsenault Crossman rest in peace.