HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a “mum in a million” who died suddenly.
Marlene Dixon, affectionately known as Mo, died in her sleep on March 13.
The 66-year-old from Terrig Street, Queensferry, had suffered a blot clot.
She had worked as a domestic at Deeside Community Hospital in Aston since it opened more than 20 years ago.
Family remember her as a devoted mother who dedicated her life to helping others.
Colleagues have spoken of her infectious laugh which was a tonic to everyone who knew and worked with her.
Keith, her husband of 36 years, said she loved to be surrounded by her 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
They had sons Wayne and Keith but Wayne died on the day he was born.
Mrs Dixon was also mother to Paul and Lyn from her first marriage.
“Her life was devoted to children,” said Mr Dixon, 56.
“She had so many grandchildren and after losing Wayne she was always looking after children.
“She loved being around them.”
He added: “She had worked at the hospital since the first brick was laid.
“She was part of the furniture.
“She was an angel.
“Every card I’ve had through the door says she was one in a million. She always had a smile on her face. She always had time for everybody.
“She was a smashing mum and wife.”
Colleagues Kim Green and Dawn Jones said Mrs Dixon was a fantastic friend who was considerate towards others.
Ms Jones said: “She was my best friend. She was always there.
“I worked with Marlene for 11 years and loved every day working with her and had a lot of laughs.
“She thought highly of her family and grandchildren.”
Jane Evans said: “I’ve been a friend of Mo’s for 32 years and we worked together for 13 years.
“She was one in a million and I will miss her so much.”
Sister Gerry Weale from the Assessment and Treatment Unit said: “We were all extremely shocked and saddened to hear of Mo’s sudden death.
“She had worked tirelessly as part of our domestic team, taking great pride in her work and always gave of her best and more. Nothing was too much trouble.”
Gill Strong, team manager in Aston House said: “Mo was one of the first people to greet us in the morning as we made our way into work.
“Her smiling face and cheery disposition always brightened our day.”
Mandy Casey, matron for North East Flintshire said: “Mo was part of the ‘family’ in Deeside Community Hospital and her sudden passing has been a shock for everyone that knew and worked with her.”
Mrs Dixon’s sister-in-law, Ann Bentley said: “Marlene was a mum in a million. “She was such a good wife, mum, nanny, great nanny, auntie, sister-in-law and best friend to everyone who knew her.”
A funeral will be held at St Ethelwolds Church in Shotton tomorrow at 1.30pm.
A burial will follow at Hawarden number two cemetery.
Floral tributes are welcome or donations can be made to Deeside Community Hospital.