Obituary of Marlene J.C. DuPont

Marlene J. C. DuPont, 86 of The Villages, Florida, passed away Thursday, January 31, 2019.

She is survived by her son Glen and her daughter-in-law Aileen DuPont of Thousand Oaks, CA, and her grandson Charles DuPont of Dallas, TX.

Marlene was a incredible mother, Nana, friend, patriot and adventurer.

She was born in New York, raised in Florida (including living at Mar-O-Largo with her close friend Marjory Post who owned it at the time), she also lived in Malibu, CA, Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii, Tahiti, and then returned to her true love…Florida.

Marlene graduated University of Miami; She swam for the University as well as the Women’s Swimming Association of New York, Town Club of Chicago Swim Team, U.S. National Swim Team, the U.S. Pan American Swim Team, Qualifying for the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland.

She started Scuba Diving in the 1950’s by helping the U.S. Navy test experimental rebreathers. She dove throughout the Pacific with her favorite dives being the shipwrecks in Truk Lagoon (Micronesia). Marlene was still a member of the The Villages Scuba Club until the day of her passing.

She started teaching in the 1950’s and taught in New York, California and Hawaii. She taught biology and loved teaching Special Education students. Her career spanned six decades until she retired when she moving to The Villages in 2012.

She held numerous national and world records in various events and is enshrined in the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Ft Lauderdale, FL.

She was an avid member of The Police Fan Club and traveled the world to attend their concerts.  On their 2007 reunion tour she attended most of their concerts around the world, spanning 18 months.     

She loved motorcycles and still owned classic cars and motorcycles until the day she passed.

In other words; My mother was a tough old bird and didn’t care if you didn’t approve. She marched to the beat of her own drummer.  She was a free spirit and the greatest friend and mother anyone could ever ask for.  We will love her and miss her, until the time we meet again.

 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The American Legion or the ASPCA in her name.  

 

A memorial service is planned for later in the month at:  Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church, 3625 Winter Canyon Rd., Malibu, CA 90265.  Arrangements entrusted with HIERS-BAXLEY Funeral & Cremation Life Event Center, 352-775-7427.  Sentiments may be left online at www.hiers-baxley.com.