Marlene Isabelle Desmarais

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom (Mummy, Gramma, GG), after a short battle with lung cancer. In her last weeks she was lovingly surrounded by family and passed away at home; with her daughters by her side.

Marlene was born in Smithers, B.C. and spent her formative years growing up in Hazelton. She started working in the mines as a kitchen helper at the age of 15. She was a hard worker. She met her first husband, Francis Barnett in Terrace, B.C. They had three children together, Arthur, Rose and Deborah. They divorced in 1961. Marlene then met and fell in love with Herbert Desmarais, the love of her life. They were married in 1963 and had two children together, Robbert and Mark.

Marlene loved to go camping in the summer with her family and lifelong friends. So many wonderful memories were created during those trips. Marlene had a great love of gardening and growing her own fruits and vegetables for canning and making her famous peach and rhubarb pies. Marlene loved going fishing and she canned her own salmon for many years.

Mom will be greatly missed by us all. She loved her family and cherished her 5 children, 17 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. She loved when her family dropped in for visits and would always hang goody bags for the little ones from ‘the fairy’ on her door. Family was everything to her.

Marlene had a wit about her and a great sense of humour. She was quick to give her honest opinion, even if you didn’t ask for it, lol. She was described as feisty, and truer words couldn’t describe her.

Marlene was a wonderful loving mother with a big heart. She was one of a kind and will be missed forever. We love you, Mom.

Marlene is survived by her children Art Barnett, Rose Barnett (Ian Burke), Deborah Rattray (Robin), Rob Desmarais (Holly), Mark Desmarais (Lorene). Marlene is predeceased by her loving husband Herb and her brother Ken Pentland.

Marlene will be buried with her husband Herb Desmarais in Penticton, B.C. on September 16, 2025.

We would like to thank Dr. Chang for his outstanding care of our Mother for so many years. We would also like to thank the Palliative Care Team and Home and Community Care Nursing Team. We could not have kept our Mom at home without your invaluable service and care.