Mrs. Marlene Peskleway

On the afternoon of December 22nd, 2021, with her daughters by her side, Marlene Peskleway (nee Berger) received her angel wings. Her husband Vliady greeted her at Heaven’s gates, with freshly polished cowboy boots, ready to waltz with her again.

Marlene was born on July 16, 1943 in Rockglen, SK. She grew up on a farm east of Rockglen and attended schools in both Fife Lake, SK and Rockglen. She often spoke of her life growing up on the farm, her pet pig, hanging out with her uncle Ralph Karst, pranking her cousins and uncles, and playing her guitar and singing.

In July 1961 she married her handsome cowboy Vliady. They lived in Scout Lake, SK and Crane Valley, SK for the first couple of years of their marriage before moving in 1964 to their forever home in Assiniboia where she resided until her passing. A loving mother and homemaker, Marlene was a remarkable cook and enjoyed baking and preparing meals for her family and friends. Her buns, sour cabbage rolls and peanut butter squares were well received by many. She always made sure the cupboards were full, and she could feed the entire town if need be with the assortment of foods she kept “on hand”, (as she would say). She also made sure there was always a chub of bologna in the fridge for Gary and his friends to make sandwiches before they went to work on their go-karts.

Family was very important to Marlene. Looking after her husband and 4 children was her top priority, and she took her role very seriously. She also looked after her sister Pat while Pat attended her high school years in Assiniboia. It was a busy household while the kids were young as they always had friends over. She made sure the kids (and their friends) had freshly baked cinnamon buns to come home to after school, sewed their clothes when they were young, and was only a small step away when one of them got hurt, all while ensuring that the house was kept clean, warm, and welcoming.

Marlene enjoyed spending summers at the cabin at Thomson Lake, SK where the family hosted many family reunions and gatherings. She enjoyed music, playing card games, sewing, crocheting, fishing, collecting indigenous artwork, watching curling, painting, talking to friends and relatives on the phone, watching her afternoon soaps, and making her “lists”.

Marlene’s love of music began as a small child, she would sing while her mother played the accordion and her Uncle Ralph played the guitar. She was very close to her mother and loved her dearly. Marlene often spoke of when she stopped singing, after her mother passed away when she was only 15. While she continued to love music, especially when her husband and children played, Marlene sat back and didn’t participate again until after Vliady passed away in 2009. She sought comfort and solace in singing and playing her guitar. She would look forward to trips to Rockglen with Karen and Trevor where she would sing with them as guests in the band that her Uncle Ralph played in.

Marlene loved her children and grandchildren dearly. She enjoyed their visits and talking to them on the phone to discuss what they were cooking, what the weather was doing, and to ensure all was well. When they grew up and started having children of their own, she relished in the stories and looked forward to the daily pictures and videos that Cindy would stop by to show her.

She was very stylish and loved to shop for clothes, purses and jewelry, a quality she passed onto Nicole. Marlene never went to a salon; she took great pride in doing her own hair and nails. She enjoyed dressing up and was always very fashionable and trendy. Marlene and Cindy enjoyed spending hours making beautiful beaded earrings, necklaces and keychains over the years. She sewed many formal dresses for her and Pat to wear to weddings and many matching dresses for the girls growing up. She also enjoyed sewing quilts, pillow cases, and curtains for every room in the house and cabin.

Marlene had a large circle of friends and relatives that she spoke to on a regular basis. Even throughout the COVID pandemic, she stayed closely connected with everyone on the phone. She was always so upbeat, positive and optimistic and wanted to make sure everyone was okay. As Aunty Rose said “Marlene always left you feeling uplifted after a phone call”.

Marlene passed away unexpectedly, just 3 days before Christmas, her favourite holiday. During her final days the sounds of Kitty Wells, Merle Haggard and other old-time country music brought her comfort as she prepared for her journey. The family would like to thank the prompt, exceptional care provided by: the staff at Hutch Ambulance; Dr. Carulei and staff at Assiniboia Union Hospital; and the doctors and staff at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw, SK. A special thank you to nurses Shar and Corrine. Also a special thank you to her nephew Robert Peskleway, who provided comfort to both Marlene and her girls during her final days.

Marlene is predeceased by her husband Vliady Peskleway; parents Leon Berger and Adella Berger (nee Karst); parents-in-law Vliady and Maria Peskleway; brothers-in-law Nicholas Peskleway, William Peskleway, Adam Peskleway, George Peskleway, Paul Strekaf, Tony Barzan; Robin Kwasnicki and Al Numrich; sisters-in-law Sonia Peskleway, Doris Strekaf, Lilian Barzan and Mary Numrich; as well as many close friends and relatives who left this world before her.

Left to cherish her memory are children: Cindy (Tim Hannah) Peskleway, Gary Peskleway, Nicole (Steve) Nickel, and Karen (Trevor) Waldner; grandchildren: Chris Peskleway, Amanda Piche, Jessica Peskleway, Breanna Peskleway, Kurtis (Cheyanna) Peskleway, Mack Peskleway, Ashleigh Nickel, and Lauren Waldner; great grandchildren: Caden, Zeppelin, Colt, Allorah, and Hendricks. Also left to remember her fondly are her sister Pat Kwasnicki; brother Richard (Lori) Berger; sister-in-law Rose Peskleway; uncles Ralph Karst and Lindsay Wangen; aunt Mildred Prefontaine; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends.

A private family service was held. Interment at Mount Hope Cemetery, Assiniboia, SK. Celebration of Life with extended family / friends to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, pick up the phone like Marlene would do and check in on a close friend or relative to see how they are doing, share a few memories and a enjoy a laugh together. Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK.