1932 – 2013
Mrs. Marlene McQuarrie died suddenly at her residence in Revelstoke on Friday, January 4, 2013, at the age of 80 years. There will be a Celebration of Life service in the early spring of 2013. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 350 – 1385 8th Avenue West, Vancouver, B.C. V6H 3V9, in memory of Marlene.
Marlene was born in Armstrong, BC, on July 25, 1932, raised in Penticton and had lived in Revelstoke for 60 years. She married Murray in 1951 and her first son Gregor arrived in 1952 in Trail, BC. They moved to Revelstoke in 1953 and their second son Brian was born in 1957.
Marlene lived her life with a strong sense of responsibility to enhance her community. Always an organizer and doer, she spent her life making things happen. She was a founding member of Penticton Teen Town, and throughout her 60 years here, she worked in numerous customer service positions and volunteered continuously. Examples of her service and ambassadorship include the CNIB, Revelstoke Ski Club, Co-ordinator and Chaperone for Miss Revelstoke Pageant, Founder of the Miss Interior of B.C. Pageant, Anglican Church Lay Reader, Executive member of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Emergency Response Team Member, Branch Service Office and Chaplain for the Royal Canadian Legion. Marlene was recognized numerous times for her efforts. The ultimate recognition came this past November when she was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her service. Marlene still had time to raise the boys, ski, snowmobile, play bridge and celebrate her faith. She loved music, literature, dancing, singing and parades – not watching them – but being in them. The friendships made along the way became her support system in the last nine years. The family is forever grateful for the numerous friends and supporters that allowed Marlene to live her life on her own terms in her own home. You are forever angels in our hearts.
Marlene was predeceased by her parents Olive and Cyril Tooley and her husband Murray. She is survived by her sons Greg (Cathy) and Brian (Janet); grandchildren: Ryann (Matt), Andrea (Rob) and Jen; great grandchildren: Ashton, Valley, Sloane, Hanna and Samantha; her brother Jim (Carol) and families.
Messages of condolence may be sent to Marlene’s family by viewing her obituary at www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com.
Cremation arrangements are in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke.
“Lord, let me be a dreamer, and let me be a doer,
let me strive and steadily achieve.
Let me be a learner, and let me be a teacher,
let me give and graciously receive.
Let me be Your follower,
let me be Your friend,
let me hear Your voice and heed Your call.
Let me come to know the special plans You have for me,
and let me, with Your help, fulfill them all.”
Amanda Bradley
Please click here to see a small collection of previously published photos of Marlene.
