Obituary of Marlene Leila LALONDE

     November 15, 1938 – 2020  

Calgary, Alberta   

Marlene Leila Lalonde, beloved wife of Marcel Lalonde, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2020 from natural causes at the age of 81 years.

She was a wife, mother, and grandmother who loved her family foremost and enjoyed family get-togethers and activities. We are saddened at losing our loved one, but are comforted and grateful knowing she is in a better place with God and the family and friends who predeceased her.

Marlene was born on the farm in Hastings, Ont. on November 15, 1938 and moved to Saskatchewan with her mother when she was 4 years old. She went to a small country school and fondly remembered her commute riding bareback and often standing on her horse. Neighbors have shared stories of a few falls resulting in bruises and banged up lunch pails which they were only too happy to patch for the riding dare-devil. Marlene joined the Weir family in 1950 when her mother met and married Frank Weir.

Marlene was a teacher who loved kids, and they loved her in return. Former students of hers still spoke fondly of Mrs. Lalonde in their forties. She was a down to earth person who shunned pretense and affectations. She was always happy and smiling and loved life, family, and friends. She loved horses and was passionate about playing fastball (pitcher for the Saskatoon Diamonds), and lifelong activities such as curling, golf, and playing bridge, where she enjoyed the occasional spoils of victory in bonspiels, bridge and golf tournaments. Marlene also loved playing cards and dominoes (chickenfoot) with family and friends anytime she could. She had a special talent for writing commemorative poems for friends and family who requested them to celebrate their milestone events such as anniversaries or reunions.

One of her many achievements was being selected by the Saskatoon School Board to teach at #4 Fighter Wing in Baden – Soellingen, Germany. It is also where she met her future husband Marcel who was stationed at the base as an aircrew on #419 squadron. Marlene and Marcel were married in 1963 on her return to Saskatoon. Time in Germany also led to a very rewarding association with the #4 Wing “Schoolies” who have reunited regularly all over Canada since 1982 and still refuse to call it a day. She loved those reunions.

Marlene was predeceased by her mother Alma May Weir (nee Oglestone) and her step-father Frank Weir. She is survived by her husband Marcel; three children and three grandchildren, Daren (Joy) and twins Ali and Tate (Fort McMurray); Suzanne (Kelowna); and Melanie and her son Joshua (Calgary). She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins and friends.

A celebration of Marlene’s life will be held in Calgary when it is safe to do so free of COVID-19 concerns. She will be laid to rest in the Leney Cemetery in Saskatchewan where she grew up when it is safe to have a memorial service. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Marlene’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

Her family wishes to thank the staff at Carewest Colonel Belcher long term care home (Churchill House) for their compassionate care of Marlene over the last year. Very special thanks to Elizabeth (Beth) Apostol who has been Marlene’s personal caregiver, companion, and friend in these final years, and a part of our family.

If desired, donations can be made to a charity of choice.

In living memory of Marlene Lalonde, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3,   Telephone: 403-241-0044.