Marlene Shirley Matthews Loznicka, Bolivia

Marlene Shirley Matthews Loznicka (Mulhern), born in York County, Maine, sadly left us on January 25, 2023 following a long illness. She had lived with her daughter and son-in-law in Bolivia, NC before being cared for at The Landings of Oak Island, N.C. Her final care was lovingly given at the SECU Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Hospice House in Bolivia, .After having left Maine to move to Florida with her family as a teenager, she finally made her way back to Maine as an adult and made every effort to call herself a real “Mainer” for the rest of her life. She leaves behind one brother, Walter Matthews of Florida, three children, Albert Lee Anderson of Fla., Linda Marie Anderson of N.C. and Eric Woods Loznicka of N.C. as well as daughters-in-law Deborah Anderson and Angela Loznicka and son-in-law James Wise. Beloved grandchildren are Lacey Carpenter, Shana Ross, Trisha Anderson, Donald Anderson, Dylan Anderson, Erica Loznicka and Dylan Loznicka. In addition, there are 10 beloved great-grandchildren. Also, she has a beloved niece and nephew, Robyn Matthews- Hopple and Billy Matthews of Jacksonville, Fla. She also leaves behind three step-children, Cheryl Mulhern, Frank Mulhern and Tim Mulhern. Her mother Lillian Matthews and father Walter E. Matthews as well as her husband Frank Mulhern preceded her in death. Marlene loved her family, her enormous community of friends (fellow artists, many patrons, an abundance of interesting people she met along her path) and making beautiful art. She enjoyed great success both where she began painting in N.C. as well as in her cherished state of Maine where she could finally call herself a real Maine artist. She earned many awards and due to her success and just being a well-liked person, her work found homes throughout the U.S. She taught art both privately and at the N.C. Museum of Art. Many years ago one of her paintings was included in the movie Brainstorm, just a quick cameo appearance but a source of great pride for being chosen. She sold many paintings to the SAS Institute of Cary, N.C. and had many one-person and multi-artist shows. Having visited Monhegan Island, Maine for many years first with Frank, she then visited every summer or fall with her dearly beloved painting group. Marlene was an extremely devoted fan of Andrew Wyeth, the well-known realist painter of Pa. and Maine. Marlene and Frank bought 3 homes in New Harbor, Maine, the first an entry level but sweet cottage, the second a charming Dutch Colonial and her last home, a wonderful old schoolhouse (Hawthorne School) attached to a 1970s contemporary home. They loved all three homes and entertained their vast group of eclectic friends on many occasions, always a party in Frank’s barn or Marlene’s studio. She loved to cook and garden and especially loved her sweet dogs, Missie, Margaret and Buddy, all who have preceded her in death. A celebration of her life will be held in New Harbor and Monhegan Island, Maine this summer to include family and friends who can attend. If desired donations may be made to the following organizations:- Farnsworth Art Museum Rockland Maine (see website for donations)- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals/ASPCA (see website for donations)- Lower Cape Fear LifeCare 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 checks or see website for credit cards.