February 21, 1936 – June 9, 2015
We sadly announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother after succumbing to cancer.
Marlene was predeceased by her father, John; mother, Ruth and a son, Douglas. Left to cherish the memory of this wonderful woman is her husband, Bob; her daughter, Sue (Paul); her son, Steven (Patricia) and grandchildren, Ashley, Brendan and Evan.
There is no doubt that Marlene was the rock and foundation of our whole family. Her love and attention to all of us knew no bounds. She made sure that every member knew that they were important and always had a loving friend. No husband has ever been luckier in his possession of a mate than Bob.
To Marlene, the world was a wonderful place to explore. She was an excellent athlete who excelled in badminton and tennis. In badminton, her achievements included: championships in Vancouver, the Island Open Championships and Victoria City Mixed Doubles with husband, Bob, remarkable wins in the North American Masters Ladies Doubles with Maureen Hibberson and in the North American Masters Mixed Doubles with Warren Kilpatrick. She loved playing tennis and there surely will be a big gap for her cherished friends.
To Marlene, travel to various faraway places was so exciting and important. Her trip to Italy with her thirteen year old granddaughter was most memorable as were visits to Portugal and Morocco with her son and daughter-in-law. No member of the family living in other places was ever ignored, so trips to Vancouver and Phoenix were common occurrences.
Marlene also loved gardening and at all of our homes she touched the soil with special skill and attention. She spent countless hours creating and maintaining works of art that were simply amazing.
And so, we said goodbye to a special person. Marlene, wherever you are, know you are so loved and our arms and hearts will always be around you to keep you safe.
Marlene has requested no formal service.
Our deepest thanks go out to the special people at Saanich Peninsula and Victoria General Hospitals for their care of Marlene. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Trish Hunt
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Alan & Kathy Little Bob and family
We were surprised and saddened to hear of Marlene’s untimely passing. We appreciated the thoughtful obituary which well described a very loving wife and mother, grandmother and friend. Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Sincerely
Alan & Kathy
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Bill Maconachie Dear Bob and Family
I’m so sorry to read of Marlene’s demise. Though our paths crossed infrequently, usually at some school party or other function, she always lit up the room for many of us. She will be missed. The only consolation I can offer is the thought that you all have many happy memories to sustain you.
Sincerely, Bill Maconachie
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Marion and Arthur Fontaine Dear Bob,
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of warm , loving Marlene whom we will always regard with enormous awe, respect and deep affection. All our warmest wishes go to you and your family at this sad time.
Affectionately, Marion and Arthur Fontaine.
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Don Shea Dear Bob: I read of Marlene’s passing in the paper yesterday. My deepest condolences at your loss. Please let’s re-connect after all these years. Don
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Brian Sabiston Dear Bob, Steven and Sue. I received news this morning of your devastating loss and have been thinking of nothing else as I try to visualize, life without Marlene. It is difficult to do, but I can hear her laughter and see her incredible eyes and smile and those memories are warm and sustaining.
You have described her beautifully in your very personal and warm obituary, calling her “the rock and foundation of your whole family” and the best soul mate ever, for Bob. So true ~ so very, very true because over the 55 years of our friendship, I was always envious of Bob and I was always in awe of Marlene. She was a constant ~ always smiling ~ always laughing ~ always caring ~ always creating ~ always up to a new challenge. I know that I am a privileged and better person for having known Marlene. While my thoughts are very much with all of you, I am thinking particularly of you, Bob. Take care, my friend.
Brian ~ Medicine Hat, Alberta
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Paula McDonald Look at her garden and remember the beautiful woman she was. She was so proud of you all.
Paula, Rebecca & Neil (McDonald)
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Denise Cake Harris Bob, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Marlene. I will always remember her grace and warmth. Such a very special lady. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Denise
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Betty Sudul P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter AR would like to extend our condolences.
Marlene was a vital member of our chapter, and is fondly remembered with happy memories
We wish you, her family, Peace.
Treasure the wonderful memories she gave you.
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Joan Bowles What a wonderful tribute you gave to Marlene. We played tennis together and now and again I would meet her in Thriftys and have a chat. My thoughts are with you, I lost my dear Ted Dec.13th last year, we had just celebrated our 70th anniversary on Oct. 14th. Joan
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Phyllis Girard Sympathy and condolences to beloved family of Marlene. Her warmth and hospitality was a gift to her friends. She shared her talents and knowlege generously, and often helped me choose plants for our garden. She was a keen bridge player, and always served the best treats! She had many interests, but we all knew her family came first & was the most important.
There will be an emptiness and sorrrow along with treasured memories for me.
In loving friendship,
Phyllis
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John and Marilyn Bate Dear Sue:
We are so shocked and sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. We had such a nice visit and chat with her at the Sports Hall of Fame dinner last Oct.
Know what a special lady she is to all of you. We are blessed that we were able to meet her in life also.
Our Sincere Sympathy to you and your Dad and all your Family.
John and Marilyn Bate
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Ruth Schwantje McAllister I am so sad to hear about Marlene. I was always amazed how she remembered me! Big hugs to all the family especially my favourite teacher, Bob.
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Noelle Anderson Sue, I’m so sorry to hear about your Mum!! I don’t really even know what to say. She never mentioned that she was ill. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I will keep you all in my prayers.
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Penny and Darryl Hooker Bob,
Darryl and I were saddened to hear about Marlene’s death: I know how close you were and can imagine how much you will miss her. Our thoughts are with you.
Penny and Darryl
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Wendy and Dennis Swonnell Bob, we are so sorry to hear about Marlene. What a shocker. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love Dennis and Wendy
Dear Bob, Steve, Sue, Paul, Ashley, Brendan and Evan:
We are indescribably sad and heartbroken on losing our beloved wife, mom, grandma, and mother-in-law Marlene. But what an amazing almost 8 decades this wonderful person graced the earth and our lives with! We were so blessed to have experienced all her love, joy and beauty. This is a huge void in our lives but let’s begin to fill it by cherishing the incredible, favourite things we loved about her and that brought so much pleasure to us. She would like that. She was always happiest when she made her family happy. You have many you could list, but here’s a beginning….
–sweet little pancakes that the kids craved–secret recipe
–adventurous spirit and love of travel—Carmel, Cabo, , Quebec, Hawaii, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Monaco; Long Beach & Naramata with family–many times
–stellar badminton player and teaching us
–devoted hockey mom/grandma through countless games
–tireless attendee at school concert and jazz band performances
–wicked lobs and drop shots on the tennis court
–sharing and critiques of great books we read
–amazing dinners; culinary wizard
–gardener extraordinaire
–crackerjack mathematician; tutor
–fun at plays and musicals with us
–doting on and spoiling our kids
–kept a dedicated playroom and toys just for them
–playing board games and cards with us
–sense of style; haute couture; class
–always wanting to see us/be in touch
–interested, joyful, engaging, inquisitive, infectious smiling and laughter
–selflessness and unconditional love
Yes, we are heartbroken, but what a privilege, honour and an incredible blessing to have loved and been loved by this magnificent woman in our lives. Love you all deeply dear family. We are here for each other.
Xox
Trish