Marlene Kathleen Lawby

Marlene Lawby (Kuryluk), born in Yorkton Saskatchewan to parents Thomas and Katherine Kuryluk, passed away in Chilliwack on November 28, 2024, at age 91. Marlene is survived by her son Bruce Lawby, daughter Sheila (Mark) Wilson, daughter Carolyn (Fred) Atkins and three grandchildren Galen, Maddison, and Austin, who will all miss her enormously. Marlene is also survived by her brother Merve (Dorothy) Kuryluk and cousin Faithe (Rodger) Prodanuk, who was like a sister to Marlene. Marlene was predeceased by brother Leslie Kuryluk and sisters Betty (Merve) Hilworth and Chris (Bill) Winnitowy.

Marlene graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Degree in Home Economics in 1956. Marlene spent almost thirty years of her life as the Director of Dietetics at the Saskatoon City Hospital, where she cultivated lasting and deep relationships with her treasured colleagues. Marlene was tenacious in her ability to overcome whatever curve balls life threw at her. As a single parent in the 1960s, when divorce was an anomaly, Marlene raised three children while carrying the responsibilities of a senior manager and carving out time for an active life of service and time for so many friendships.

The Lawby Saskatoon family home was a hub of activity. Friends of Bruce, Sheila, and Carolyn were always welcome and likely remember the famous chocolate chip cookies that filled a seemingly bottomless gallon pickle jar. Whenever Marlene's friends stopped by, they were always greeted with beautiful food and refreshing drinks, setting the perfect tone for the laughter that inevitably followed. She was a phenomenal host and cook, always a ton of fun, and known for her sharp wit.

In 1999, Marlene relocated to Chilliwack, BC to be near Carolyn and family, where she lived for the remainder of her life. Marlene enjoyed the view of the mountains out her window and, until recently, delighted in day trips to the local countryside. With a love of hockey rooted in her brother Merve’s career, Marlene became a fervent Vancouver Canucks fan.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life to be held in Saskatoon in the spring of 2025. Donations are invited to be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, or the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation.