Obituary of Marlene Louise McAlister

February 9, 1946 – Regina, Saskatchewan

July 17, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Marlene McAlister of Calgary, AB, passed away suddenly but peacefully, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the age of 78 years, with her husband Wayne, children, Ryan, Erin, Jillian, and granddaughter Magee, by her side.

Marlene was born in Regina, SK, then moved to Calgary as a young girl. She made many fond memories while growing up in East Calgary. It was during this time that she developed her lifelong love of movies, especially the old black and white ones. She enjoyed going to the Grand Theatre during her breaks from her double shifts as a counter girl at S.S. Kresge Co. Marlene also loved listening to music and singing along to her favorite songs.

She made many lifelong friends while attending the Royal Alexandra School of Nursing in Edmonton, AB, and graduated as a Registered Nurse. She then had a long career as a Recovery Room nurse, primarily at the Rockyview General Hospital. Marlene met Wayne in Edmonton, and they were married soon afterwards on June 15, 1968, in Calgary. They were married 56 eventful years.

Marlene enjoyed playing sports, especially basketball and softball. She also loved reading, playing cards, dice, pool, and spending time with extended family. Marlene and Wayne enjoyed travelling over the years, throughout Canada and the United States. Marlene’s most memorable vacations were to England, Scotland, and Ireland.

­­­­­Marlene was very social and outgoing and was a people person. She will be most remembered for her dedication to nursing and taking care of her family.

Besides her loving husband Wayne, Marlene is survived by her son Ryan (Nicole), daughters, Erin and Jillian; and grandchildren, Magee, Jordan (Tyler), and Jamie. Marlene is also survived by her brother Ron Sobb (Gloria), brother-in-law Lindsay (Judy); as well as nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lee, and the staff of Emergency Room C Block at the Rockyview General Hospital, for their valiant efforts and compassionate care of Marlene.

A Celebration of Marlene’s Life will be held at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Doctors Without Borders, 720 Spandina Avenue, Suite 402, Toronto, ON, M5S 2T9, Telephone: 1-800-982-7903, www.msf.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Marlene’s family here.

In living memory of Marlene McAlister, 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.