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Apr 29, 2018
Loving wife of predeceased husband John. Mother to Michael, Eva-Marie and Mark (Marianne).

Baba of Jean, Adam, Carmen, Peter and Virginia. Sister of Larry (Shirley).

Aunty to many nieces and nephews. Daughter of predeceased parents Clarence and Fernie.

Born in Prince Rupert British Columbia in 1938, but beginning her life in the expanding town of Terrace. Her best childhood memories were of spending summers at Lakelse Lake. For high school she went south and graduated from St Ann's Academy in Victoria BC followed by a nursing program at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver. She only lasted a year in nursing as she had found the love of her life, a hardworking Logger, John Sarish. Married in 1959 and excited to start a family, shortly thereafter arrived Michael (62), Eva-Marie (63) and Mark (64).

Marlene and John had the opportunity to move to Lakelse Lake and raise their children with the same rural freedom she enjoyed as a child. Marlene was a very creative person, from pottery, weaving, retreat banners, to personalized cards on the computer and amazing meals. Marlene enjoyed hosting many events at the lake house with warm hospitality and rich meals. But most of all she was so much fun, always full of ideas...nothing was too silly or too big for her. Marlene was a force of nature who enriched all our lives.

Marlene was not raised Catholic, but was mentored into her faith by the Sisters of St. Anne and shortly before her marriage officially entered into the Church. Marlene was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish, serving on parish council and the new church building committee. Her true calling was as a lay leader in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement. Marlene served in leadership positions on a local, provincial and national level. She was a woman of great faith whose life impacted many along the way.

Having previously lost her love John in 2004, she decided to follow her son Mark and his family to Victoria in 2010. There she enjoyed her spectacular condo, with views of the activities of the harbour, the happy hour socials and exercising in the pool. She continued to maintain her long distance relationships via phone and computer.

Over the last few years Marlene struggled with dementia and returned to the old hospital of the Sisters of St Anne's, now Mount St Mary's care home. Marlene died surrounded by her family on April 29th, 2018 at the Royal Jubilee hospital in Victoria BC.

A Catholic funeral mass will take place on Tuesday May 8th at 11:00 am, at St Joseph the Worker Parish, 753 Burnside Rd. W, Victoria BC, reception to follow in the parish hall.

All are welcome, but for friends of Marlene in the north, who wish to honour Marlene, we will be hosting a celebration of life event in Terrace this summer. 



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