OAK ISLAND — Marlene Anne Radford of Oak Island, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, at the age of 88.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on May 31, 1938, she was the cherished daughter of the late William H. Hodill and Agnys Smetana Hodill. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Winston Chambliss Radford, and her brother, William H. Hodill.
Marlene grew up with a deep passion for animals, which shaped her early career and life’s work. She began by raising and showing Cocker Spaniels, an endeavor that grew into a successful entrepreneurial career as she opened three pet businesses around the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Never afraid of a new venture, Marlene later transitioned into the restaurant industry, purchasing and successfully operating “Marlene’s Henry Africa” in historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Always ambitious and hardworking, she -eventually moved south to enjoy the coastal beauty of Oak Island, North Carolina. There, she pursued a new love for real estate and became a highly successful local Real Estate Agent.-
Throughout her diverse career paths, Marlene proved herself to be a strong, fierce businesswoman who earned the deep respect and love of many. To know Marlene was to know a woman of incredible strength, unshakeable loyalty, and a vibrant spirit that was entirely her own. She lived life out loud, loved deeply, and faced everything with courage. In her free time, she had a sharp eye for finding antique treasures and possessed a beautiful green thumb, frequently tending to her lovely garden.
Marlene was a remarkably strong woman who lived life to its absolute fullest. Her rich journey touched countless lives with her vibrant energy, determination, and warmth. She was a devoted friend, a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose legacy lives on through the family she loved so dearly.
She is survived by her three children, Kathi Lauer (Mark), Beth Longo, and David Radford; her four grandchildren, Meghan Longo, Matthew Longo, Christopher Radford, and Laura Radford; and her four cherished great-grandchildren, Alice, Charley, Lincoln, and Arlo.
Services are private. If you wish to honor Marlene’s memory, please consider a donation to a charity that is close to your heart.
Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family here.
