A private family funeral will be held Tuesday in Brantford for a 90-year-old woman who police say was slain in Waterford.
Norfolk OPP said Marlene Wilson was found dead inside a home at 224 Mechanic St. shortly before 8:30 am on Sunday.
On Thursday, police said they are treating her death as a homicide following the results of a post-mortem.
According to a published obituary, a public visitation for Wilson, a mother of six, will be held Tuesday from noon to 1 pm at Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Center on Brant Avenue, followed by a private funeral service.
According to the obituary, Wilson and her husband, Vidal, emigrated to Canada from the United Kingdom in the 1960s, eventually setting in Brantford.
Wilson was a long-time employee of Harding Carpets.
“Marlene was full of life and loved travelling, camping, good food (if she didn’t have to cook), laughter, but mostly travelling,” read the obituary. “We will all cherish the time we spent with her.”
In addition to her children, Wilson is survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her husband.
Meanwhile, Waterford residents say they are stunned by news of Wilson’s death.
“It’s shocking,” said Laura Truman, who lives next door to the woman’s home. “It’s jarring. You just don’t expect it.
“You hear about the passing of someone and leave the family to privacy in their grievance. But when a bunch of OPP cars and vans start rolling up you realize there’s more to this story. It’s been a very surreal experience.”
Police said in a news release earlier this week that they believe there to be no threat to public safety. They also appealed to the public to come forward with any information that may assist investigators.
“It appears to be an isolated incident,” said Norfolk OPP Const. Ed Sanchuck.
“She did live in the residence, and she did live with family.”
He said no suspects are in custody.
Few other details have been released by police.
Waterford residents are perplexed by the lack of information.
“For (police) to be so tight-lipped, there is obviously more to this story,” Truman said. “It’s something that’s impacting the community, and it’s natural to be curious and concerned when something like this happens in a community like Waterford.”
She said her neighbors moved into their home late last year.
“But no one really saw them or who they were.”
Doug and Marian Howard were out for a walk on Mechanic Street West early Thursday afternoon, where they saw about a half-dozen police vehicles.
“It’s a shock,” said Marian.
“We’re not used to hearing anything like that.
“I didn’t know who lived there anymore. I didn’t see anybody out and about.”
Doug, who has lived in Waterford his entire life, described the circumstances as “weird.”
“Police have been there since Sunday,” he noted.
“It’s strange that they’re asking for the public’s help, but nobody’s in danger. Nothing adds up when they say all that.”
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