Marlene was born December 3, 1941 in Macklin, Sask. to Alfred Pearson and Grace Pearson (nee Robertson). She was the youngest of 5 children. Known to her family and friends, in childhood and her teens, as Mickey, she was raised on the family farm between Denzil and Unity. She attended school at St. John’s country school, getting to school on horseback. She then went to high school in Denzil, where she met Tom. She later attended Business College in Saskatoon.
Her family was very musical, and although mom never learned an instrument, she loved singing and dancing with her sister, while her brothers and dad played. Her dad was especially talented, playing everything from pump organ to mandolin to accordion; she was always proud to brag about Grandpa’s talents. Her mom passed away when Marlene was just 19 years old.
Marlene and Tom married in December 1963 at St. Francis Church in Saskatoon. They went on to grow their family. Rhonda born in 1963, followed by Ross in 1965, Natalie in 1968 and Ian in 1971. There were a lot of moves due to Tom’s work with Bank of Nova Scotia. Every move resulted in a home where Marlene ensured the family could thrive. Saskatoon, Calgary, Regina, Brandon, Moose Jaw, Hudson Bay, Yorkton. Eventually back to Moose Jaw and ultimately back to Saskatoon. Everywhere they went, Marlene did what locals did. She bowled in league, curled in bonspiels, picked spruce cones with Dorothy Hopfner.
In the early days of our family, mom worked in the banking industry as well. Eventually, she stayed home to raise her growing family and returned to the workforce casually in Hudson Bay, then in full time banking in Yorkton, Regina (while commuting from Moose Jaw) and Saskatoon. She faced one robbery while working at Albert and Dewdney branch in Regina, but returned to work right after (getting “back on the horse” was how to face that kind of trauma). She spent her entire career in banking, a favorite of customers, until her retirement.
After retirement, she seemed even busier than while she was working. She golfed in Wildwood Ladies League, including serving on the Executive. She was a long time member of TOPS, faithfully attending meetings and conferences. She loved the Blue Jays, and she and Tom went on numerous bus charter trips to Blue Jays games in Minneapolis, Seattle, St. Louis, Toronto. On a few of the trips, they took grandsons with them to share their love of Blue Jays. Other bus trips included Nashville and Vegas. Marlene, in particular, loved Las Vegas. She would travel with others, even if Tom didn’t want to go.
She loved music almost as much as the Blue Jays. We can’t even count the number of times she saw Johnny Reid in concert. She saw Garth Brooks twice. She and Tom attended Craven at least half dozen times, pulling their camper in and out of the mud each year.
Marlene had carpentry skills too. She and Tom built their cabin from scratch and had it moved to Canora Beach at Goodspirit Lake. Many awesome summers were spent there pulling grandkids around on the tube, fishing and visiting with family, friends and neighbours. Eventually they sold the cabin and bought a camper, which took them to Jackfish, Emma Lake, Madge Lake and elsewhere. She enjoyed camping with her sister Joan and her husband Harvey; near where cousins lived or had cabins; or where her kids were going to be camping.
Marlene was always giving back to her community in some way. She served Holy Spirit Church as a greeter; she baked for and served at funeral luncheons. She spent several years canvassing in door to door fundraising campaigns for Diabetes Association, Heart and Stroke, and Kidney Foundation, including serving as an area lead due to her years of experience.
She stayed active for as long as her health would allow. She walked faithfully daily, indoors and outdoors, for years. She took Line Dancing classes (you can’t like Garth Brooks and not line dance).
Her family grew with the addition of grandchildren, which added more activities to her schedule. She and Tom travelled to Yorkton to watch Eric and Brett play ball. She rarely missed one of the grandkids basketball games in Saskatoon. Her arthritis wouldn’t allow her to climb the bleachers, so at some games she sat front row courtside, risking being crashed into by some big lug of a high school boy, or getting a basketball in the face. Sometimes school circumstances led to early dismissals or someone felt sick at school, and the kids were happy to be able to walk over to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s for TLC if this happened.
Marlene was predeceased by her dad Alfred Pearson, mom Grace Pearson (Robertson), brothers Pat Pearson, Terry Pearson and Brian Pearson (just a few months ago); her sister Joan Veldhoen; her brother-in-law Harvey Veldhoen; her mother and father-in-law Agnes Reiniger and Philip Reiniger; her brother-in-law Ivan Prpich; nephew Alan Veldhoen; niece Susan Veldhoen.
She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Tom, who gave mom the best care possible as her health deteriorated. She is mourned by her children, Rhonda (Norman Vankoughnett), Ross (Donna), Natalie (Terry Tuttosi) and Ian (Linda). Never to be forgotten by her grandchildren Eric Tuttosi (Stacy; Emmett and Aiden), Brett Tuttosi (Connor; Lucas and Liam), Sean Vankoughnett, Bradley Vankoughnett, Jeffrey Vankoughnett (Megan); Cole Reiniger (Keara); Caz Rode ( Harley; Liam, Jahseh); Koni Rode (Derek) and Cherie Rode-Steppler (Doug).
The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to Marlene’s longtime family physician, Dr. Mick Jutras, for his outstanding care. Thank you too, to the doctors and nurses and care staff at St. Paul’s hospital ICU, day surgery and medical wards. Special thanks to all her care workers from home care. You brightened Marlene’s days with your humor, kindness, good spirit and gentle care. You are treasures.
Please donate to Parkinson Canada or MS Canada, charities close to Marlene’s heart.
Funeral Mass will take place at Holy Spirit Parish 114 Kingsmere Place, Saskatoon on Tuesday July 8 at 10:30am. Officiant Fr. Joseph Salihu. For those unable to join the Funeral Mass are invited to join via livestream https://youtube.com/live/WGRSZ6R4HwE?feature=share
Arrangements entrusted to Ryan Lensen
