Marlene ANDERSON

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ANDERSON: Marlene Margaret Anne Anderson, beloved wife to Barry, passed away peacefully after suffering a stroke on September 3, 2017. Her beloved family members were by her side, holding her hand and sharing memories. She is survived by her husband Barry Anderson, sons Chris (Julie) Anderson and Ian (Yajaira) Anderson, daughter Susan (Scott) Benning, granddaughters Anneliese Benning, Genevieve Benning, Aliyah Anderson, grandson Macgregor Benning, brother Mel (Micki) McGregor, sister-in-laws Colleen (David) Taylor, and Bev (Bob Woroschuk) Campbell, and nieces Stacy (Mike) Corrigan, Cali (Colin) Mclsaac, Carma (Ken) Lecuyer, Sarah Taylor, Caitlin (Jordan Graham) Taylor, and Evan Taylor. Marlene was born January 19, 1944 to Melville and Verna (Hunter) McGregor in Neepawa, Manitoba. She attended school at Hazel M. Kellington and Neepawa Collegiate. She married Barry Anderson on August 26, 1962 and they lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado for two years while Barry completed his college degree. Their first son Chris was born while in Colorado, and after college they settled in Carberry, MB where Barry had accepted a teaching position. Ian and Susan were both born in Carberry. Marlene was an amazing mother from the first day. Being a mom came very naturally to her. Marlene loved her children fully and always made them feel special. She was a great listener and was always there to help no matter what. Marlene was asked to run the Nursery School program for the Carberry Cooperative in 1973. After several years as a teacher she earned her childcare degree at the Red River College in Portage La Prairie and continued to teach until her retirement in 2002. Marlene absolutely loved her work with the children and their families. During her years in Carberry Marlene was a very devoted community member. She served as a member of the Carberry Figure Skating Club Board, Knox Presbyterian Church Auxiliary and Choir, Childcare Cooperative Board, Carberry Lodge Board, and Library Board. She extended her volunteering to both provincial and national levels when she became a director of Skate Manitoba and Skate Canada. She volunteered in the skating community for 30 years. Marlene mentioned on many occasions how much she valued being a voice for the smaller skating clubs and how she cherished friendships in the skating world. Marlene was a wonderful cook and loved to try new recipes. She loved to present her food and table in a beautiful way and all were welcome around her table. She was quick to make everyone’s favourite meals and certainly their favourite dessert. She used her creativity beyond the kitchen and was quick to try new hobbies. Marlene was a talented seamstress, making clothes, Halloween costumes, and endless figure skating and dance costumes for her children and grandchildren. She would mend anything, although it might take a while for her to get it done. She dabbled in ceramics, macramé, crocheting, knitting, and scrapbooking. Her latest talent shared with others was card making. Marlene made the most beautiful personalized cards for all her friends and family. She enjoyed the people and social gatherings at card making class and spoke often of her times there. She loved to give gifts and made gift giving an art form. Her generous spirit and fun-loving personality also made her an excellent friend. She valued time spent listening and talking with her friends. Marlene was truly the most amazing grandma. She dropped everything to look after her grandkids, to go their events, to make them beautiful things, to spend time with them and create magical moments like fancy tea parties and craft extravaganzas. Her grandkids were truly blessed to have her in their lives. She became Grandma in 2000 and never skipped a birth or celebration since that day. She loved to make memories with Anneliese, Macgregor, Genevieve, and Aliyah. She also loved her grand-dogs and had become known as the dog whisperer in our family. Her love of adventure and curiosity to see the world took her on many great adventures with Barry. She loved working for MacPhail Travel where she and Barry spent many winters in Victoria as travel hosts. Her favourite spot in the world, however, was Clear Lake. Marlene loved to spend time with family and friends there. Her heart was truly full when we were gathered around her table or the campfire eating her amazing meals at The Lake. Marlene was a truly genuine person who gave herself fully no matter what came her way. She took on cancer in 1985 and never once complained. Her faith was strong and helped her to carry on, to be strong, and to love life. Although she wanted to be here on Earth for many more years, she lived and loved life to the fullest. Marlene left behind wonderful loving memories for all her family and friends. She was a true “gem” as many people have told us. She was a difference maker. We will carry her love in us forever! We would like to pass on our most heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us and continue to support us. All of the kind words, food, hugs, cards, flowers, and gifts in memory of Marlene were all unbelievable. Marlene is greatly touched by your kindness, as are we. When you see the sunshine in the sky and the stars sparkling above remember Marlene and smile. Share your smile with others and be kind! That, Marlene, would love!

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 25, 2017