Obituary of Marlene Elizabeth Fowler

June 28, 1937 – Langenburg, Saskatchewan

January 5, 2023 - Black Diamond, Alberta

Marlene Fowler (nee Busch), beloved wife of Dave Fowler, of Black Diamond, AB, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the age of 85 years. Marlene was a loving wife, incredible mother, amazing grandma, and great grandma.

Marlene was born June 28, 1937 near Churchbridge Sk. to Rudolf and Lena (nee Adam) Busch. Marlene had one older sister, Jeanette.  Marlene had many adventures growing up in rural Saskatchewan. Going to school by horse and buggy or sleigh in the winter. She attended country school until Grade 8 then went to High School in Langenburg Saskatchewan.

Marlene went on to graduate Teachers College in Moose Jaw Sk. and began a teaching position in a one room school house, teaching grades to 1 through 8. at the McIntyre School in Brownlee Sk.

It was during this time that she met Dave Fowler, they were married April 6, 1958. Marlene and Dave have 2 children, Brad, and Laurie.

Marlene and Dave raised their family for a short time in Calgary, AB. In 1972 they moved near Aldersyde, AB. Marlene continued to teach for many years.

In 1994 the family moved to a farm just outside of Black Diamond, AB. The farm was an incredible place to live. She shared it with her children and grandchildren. They say it takes a village…we had a village. There were so many special moments and memories created.

At the farm, Marlene started Granny’s Greenhouse (fondly named by her Grandchildren). She grew for the Calgary Horticultural Society, a couple of local golf courses, a landscaper and finally for the general public.

People still say that they have never been able to buy flowers as beautiful as the ones she grew. They would often ask her what was her secret and she would answer “love”. She would step into the greenhouse each morning, talk to and touch all her plants and tell them how beautiful they were.

Marlene had a passion for making things. She was a talented painter, created beautiful jewelry and an incredible cook. Her entire family has benefited one way or another from her passions, be it artwork on our walls, bracelets on our wrists and bellies full of the most delicious treats.

Marlene and Dave loved to escape some of the winter. They explored a few areas and finally settled in Palm Desert. There they had many adventures and a great group of friends.

Marlene accomplished much through her life and was particularly proud of her family. Family was everything to Marlene. She would often boast how lucky she was to have such a wonderful family that she loved so much. Her favorite moments were when we were altogether.

Marlene spent the last five years at the Rising Sun Long Term Care in Black Diamond, AB. There she received kindness, care from the staff and daily visits from her husband Dave until her passing.

Marlene is survived by her husband of 65 years Dave, her children Brad Fowler (Patti) and Laurie Kerber (Tom), grandchildren Katie Rogers (Josh), Lauren Maynard (Alex), Ali Gray(Geordie), Joe Fowler (Jon), Brooklyn Brown (Joel), Josh Fowler (Amber), Bailey Fowler, Asher Fowler, Tyler Henderson (Jazmin), Dylan Melnyk, great-grandchildren Max Rogers, Sylas Rogers, Payton Maynard, Brynley Maynard, Ryder Gray, Oliver Gray, Huckleberry Gray, Ozwald Brown, Odin Brown and recent additions Lilly and Thomas Anthony. She is also survived by her loving cousin (more like a sister) Jackie Busch and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their love and heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Rising Sun for the tender care they provided to Marlene. We are forever grateful.

In memory of Marlene, there will be a Celebration of Life held at the Flare and Derrick Community Centre in Diamond Valley on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

In living memory of Marlene Fowler, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.