On Sunday July 23rd, 2017, our family said goodbye to Marlene Marie Anna Skerl McLaren, after her months long battle with cancer. It was a journey that seemed to be both very long and short, but she chose to face her obstacles in the road with courage and was determined not to lose her sense of humour.

Marlene was predeceased by her husband, Alexander McLaren, by her parents, Eugenie and Joseph Skerl, and by her brothers, Victor and Carl [Linda].

She leaves behind her children, Michael [Brenda], Judi, Janyse [John Lappa], and her grandson, Baron, who she loved more than anything in the world. She also leaves behind her siblings, Richard, Robert [Theresa], and Irene Meilleur, and nieces and nephews. She will be missed by her cousins in Trieste, Italy, who send their prayers.

On her behalf, we would like to graciously thank the radiation technicians and the many nurses at both the Northeastern Cancer Centre and Health Sciences North, for their care. We would also like to include, Ven, her physiotherapist and the many porters who delivered her to and from her appointments with care and kindness. A big thank you to the Bayshore nurses and the personal support workers who helped with her care at home.

We would like to send out a special thank you to Mom’s friends and relatives who took the time to visit her while in hospital and at home. That time spent together meant everything to her. Special recognition is given to Michael and Brenda for selflessly making sure that Mom was comfortable and happy for the time she had left.

In keeping with last wishes, there will be no visitation and only a private burial with family. All we ask is that you remember Marlene when you wear her favourite colour blue or when you enjoy a bowl of strawberries or blueberries with French vanilla ice cream!

Goodnight, Mom! See you in the morning. Xo