Passed peacefully on September 17, 2020 at Cassellholme, North Bay, Ontario, at 79 years. Predeceased by her loving companion Ronald Wood, her parents Walter and Nora McKenzie Becker, and her brother Waljoe.
Survived by her children Robin (Phil) Koistinen, Dan (Bett Wight) Burns, Dana Laronde, and Arthur (Tammy Wight) Burns, their father Arthur, grandchildren, Jamie and Kristen Koistinen, Mathew St. Onge, Curtis, Kylie, and Brian Burns, Jacob and Caleb Laronde, Cylas and Mariah Paul, Nolan, great grandchildren, Hunter, Georgia, Tanner, Angel, Jason, Celina, Arianna, Colton, Charlie Grace, and Sophia. She is also survived by her sisters Mildred and Judith Becker and brother Sherwood (Woody) Becker. She will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.
Marlene was the Postmaster in Latchford for many years, Courtworker at the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre (NBIFC), while working at NBIFC she was nominated and received the honour of North Bay’s Women of the Year for her dedication to clients and community service. She worked as Caretaker and Cook at the Teme Augama Anishnabai Negotiations Unit, where the Chief told her jokingly “Marlene if you keep cooking meals like this the government is going to think we are rich.” Later in life, she became a PSW employed by the Anishnabai Long Term Care Facility in North Timiskaming and Temagami First Nation.
Marlene lived her life to the fullest and loved her children and grandchildren. She loved a good party with lots of family, friends, food, and music. She was a great cook and wonderful seamstress. She loved to stay busy, always willing to lend a helping hand. Marlene will be remembered as woman who had great passion for her family, who had compassion and sought justice for her People.
Due to COVID restrictions there will be no visitation, funeral or celebration of life. At a date to be determined, a grave side memorial will take place at Whispering Pines Columbarium in Temagami.
Donations to the Temagami and Area Food Bank or a Food Bank of your choice in memory of Marlene would be appreciated.