Marlene Kathleen Ford

Born in Macklin, Saskatchewan, eldest daughter of Al and Kate Sellinger, and Sister to Neil, Dick and Marg, Marlene grew up in Swift Current and trained as a nurse at the Grey Nuns College in Regina. While there she met the love of her life, Keith Ford, at a dance in Moose Jaw.

Married in 1958, Marlene and Keith raised four children: Shannon,Marcia, Greg, and Jeff. Their family was forever marked by the loss of their daughter Marcia to Reye’s syndrome at age four and a half.

After moving their family to Calgary, Marlene poured her creative energy into sewing, pottery, and refinishing antiques—all while being a devoted wife and a mother who supported her children’s every passion. She made deep, lasting friendships, and those who knew her often spoke of her spirited nature and the joy she brought to others.

In the 1970s, Marlene and Keith moved west of Calgary to Springbank and in the 1980’s they embarked upon many happy years of travel and adventure across Canada and the United States in their motorhome. Eventually they split their time between homes in Arizona and BC, finally settling on Denman Island in their seventies, (the longest they ever lived in one home). There, Keith built a deluxe pottery studio for Marlene, and she created to her heart’s content, while Keith cut stones and made jewelry in his own studio, always side by side. Marlene sold her work locally, and she became a beloved participant in the island’s studio tour.

Marlene spent her final 18 months at Oceanfront Village in Courtenay BC, where her fiery spirit and determination to be as independent as she could kept all caregivers on their feet and laughing along with her wry jokes.

Marlene was predeceased by Keith, her dear husband of 66 years, and their daughter Marcia.

She leaves her children Shannon (Denis), Greg (Kim), and Jeff (Lisa); her grandchildren Kurt (Anna), Garret, Matthew, Nicholas (Mysia), Andrew (Ellen), Alicia (Trey), Amanda and Stephanie (Kyle); step grandchildren Danielle (Gavin) Jon (Sheena), Allan (Rachel); great grandchildren Koa, Caden, Eloise, Casey; step great grandchildren Hanah, Charlotte and Chloe, and many deeply cherished lifelong friends.

Marlene healed from some substantial health problems during her life and her favourite saying was ‘Every day in every way - Better and better’

Marlene will be laid to rest alongside Keith, both reunited with their beloved daughter Marcia at Riverside Cemetary in Regina.

Donations in her memory may be made to your favourite charity or to a local arts organization.