MARLENE GREER STEPHEN

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MARLENE GREER STEPHEN It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marlene Greer Stephen on Monday, January 19, 2009 at the age of 61. Family was extremely important to Marlene. She was a loving and devoted mother to Marnie, mother-in-law to Richard, and proud new Grandma to Fiona. She was a daughter to Margaret and Jack, sister number 1 to Nancy, David, and Lynne, sister-in-law to Bob, as well as a supportive aunt to Glenn, Greg, Aine and John. Numerous aunts, uncles and cousins also completed many family gatherings. Marlene was a dedicated and passionate teacher. She held a Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Music Education. Over her 41-year teaching career, she taught math and then band with both the Winnipeg and Louis Riel School Divisions. Even after retiring, Marlene fondly kept track of the lives and successes of many former students. Marlene was involved in the Scottish community all her life. She began playing the bagpipes as a young girl. She was a proud member of the Heather-Belle Ladies' Pipe Band for 39 years and the Pipe Major of the band for 21 of those years. Marlene's involvement continued through organizing competitions and judging young pipers. Her commitment to music and her Scottish heritage are further evident in the various groups, organizations and events that were important to Marlene, including: the Winnipeg Scottish Festival, Bands on the Boardwalk Highland Games, Prairie Pipe Band Association of Manitoba, Rainbow Stage, Tempo Music Conference, International Music Camp, Manitoba Music Educators' Association and Manitoba Highland Dancing Association. Marlene was a visionary who worked tirelessly for these many groups. She was infamous for dreaming big, but making things happen. She made connections wherever she went, leaving lasting fingerprints on the lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted at RBC Royal Bank, St. Mary's and Riverbend Branch in the name of Marlene Stephen Scholarship Trust . This fund will be used to help further the training of young Manitoba musicians. A Remembrance will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24 at the Pantages Playhouse Theatre (180 Market Ave.).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 23, 2009