Marlene Diana Semenchuk

Marlene was born in Saskatoon on October 11, 1950. Marlene had the fondest memories of growing up in Saskatoon with her grandparents, parents, and brothers. This time was characterized by boisterous family gatherings and summers with relatives from across the country coming to Saskatoon.

After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan in 1972, Marlene began her 35 year teaching career in Saskatoon. She was a gifted teacher and parents were always delighted when their children were in Miss. Semenchuk’s class. Marlene was an amazing dedicated teacher who was always able to find the potential in the children she taught. She spent countless weekends labouring over report cards finding just the right words to boost confidence, encouraging each child to do better and constantly looking for new and innovative ways to challenge her students.

Marlene had an eye for fashion and things that sparkled. She was always put together and had the most amazing shoes, bags, and accessories. She further accessorized her life by the vehicles she drove. She started with a Datsun 280 ZX sports car and later moved to a more sensible Lexus.

Family was Marlene’s priority. When her beloved mother, Nettie, required additional care, Marlene stepped up to become Nettie’s full-time caregiver saying, “It was her pleasure to do so”. Marlene had a gift for organizing and preparing many family Christmas’ over the years. With parents in tow, she packed up her car with gifts, cheezies, wine gums, homemade goodies, coke floats, cabbage rolls, sausages, cinnamon buns, all the fixings needed for turkey soup and headed out to Calgary. They were truly a complete Christmas celebration travelling down the highway. Marlene gifted everyone with lottery tickets that could only be redeemed in Saskatchewan which always meant a return visit.

Marlene was a kind and generous friend. She was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. In later years, Marlene became an avid gardener. Her friends and neighbours were recipients of the produce she grew. They will especially miss the apples, rhubarb, and raspberries she picked and delivered to their doors. Marlene was known for her generosity donating to countless charities. She also loved the theatre and held season tickets to Persephone for forty years. Marlene was notorious for her ability to engage complete strangers in conversation and had an amazing knack for remembering details years later.

Marlene moved into her apartment in 1978, where she met Larry Krulak who became her best friend and the love of her life. They shared many common interests. They were passionate about the Riders, sharing season tickets on the 55 yard line. They were always up for fun nights out and attended many concerts which included music legends Paul McCartney, the Stones, Elton John, Rod Stewart and Bryan Adams, just to name a few. They loved to go to the casino where Larry went to the poker table and Marlene would find her lucky slot machine, and lucky she was, usually taking home more cash than she came with! They enjoyed countless evenings with friends but loved nothing more than a quiet evening in front of the TV.

Marlene is dearly missed by her partner in adventures Larry; her brothers Gerry (Diana) and Don; nephews and nieces: Jordy, Krista, Chad, Ryan (Elizabeth & Harrison), Layne (Andrina); her large extended family; and so many close friends.

A Celebration of Marlene’s incredible Life will be held later this year.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please donate to a charity of your choice. In Marlene’s spirit: care and support your loved ones, take time to connect with family near and far, look for potential in the everyday, use your time wisely, and enjoy a scratch and win along the way.

Arrangements entrusted to Ashley Knash.