Residents of the Amherst and Sackville region are mourning the loss of Marlene Arsenault Crossman, who was killed on Thursday, October 12, in her home on King Street in Sackville.
According to her obituary, the 59-year-old leaves behind two sons and their families, as well as a number of brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. For the past few years, Crossman has been the smiling face at the helm of the Amherst Theatre, formerly the Cineplex, in downtown Amherst. The theatre remained closed after Marlene’s death, and reopens Tuesday.
In a post on social media, the Amherst Theatre noted Marlene’s “love of the theatre and how well she treated those around her.”
“Marlene was our leader, our manager, and the greatest employee that one could ever ask for,” reads the message. “Her energy, her kindness, and everything about her will be deeply missed.”
The Sackville RCMP have arrested and charged Roger Crossman with the first degree murder of Marlene. Roger is listed on property records as co-owner of the property at 153 King Street in Sackville, along with Marlene.
The 62-year-old man appeared in court by phone on Friday, October 13, and is now being held for a 30-day psychiatric evaluation. He is due back in Moncton provincial court on November 9, 2023. Crossman turned himself in to the Antigonish RCMP detachment on Thursday, shortly after Sackville RCMP discovered Marlene’s remains at her home, in response to a call they received for a well-being check.
A funeral service for Marlene Arsenault Crossman will take place this Thursday, October 19 at 2pm at First Baptist Church in Amherst. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 18 from 5pm to 8pm, at Campbells Funeral Home on Church Street in Amherst.
In place of flowers, the family suggests that donations in memory of Marlene be made to the M.S. Society, Autumn House or any other charity.
