Born June 6th, 1965, passed away peacefully at home on June 30th, 2011. Marlene was born to Vern and Hilda Harms, second of four children and only daughter. She spent her early years growing up on the shores of Francois Lake in the bustling community of Southbank. She started school in Southbank and then graduated to the big school in Grassy Plains where she thrived on the challenge of learning and dreamt of being a nurse one day. Marlene’s education was interrupted by motherhood with the arrival of Trevor and soon after Travis. Marlene blossomed as young mother and her dream of being a nurse was becoming a reality as there was always a boo-boo to fix with two rowdy boys around. A few years later she added Candice to the mix and thoroughly enjoyed spoiling her little girl. It was not easy for Marlene as a single mother of three kids but she always found a way to provide for them, more often than not by going without herself. While Marlene was working for her mother at the Keefe’s Landing Kafe she was asked to go to a Valentine’s Dance at the Grassy Hall by a shy young trucker. She graciously accepted. Neither of them knew this was to be the start of the greatest love affair of all time. Two and a half years later she married Derek Feldmann on July 1st,2000. Marlene, Travis, and Candice moved out to the Feldmann farm where Marlene became involved in every aspect of ranch life. Soon she had her own collection of miniature and unique critters and invited school classes and anyone else interested to tour her barnyard zoo. Oh the joy she got in sharing her li’l critters. A few years ago Marlene went to work for the school district first as a custodian and then as a teacher’s aide at Decker Lake Elementary. Marlene took great interest in the lives of all her students and they took equally to her. It was a perfect match. Six years ago Marlene started a new phase in her life as she became a grandma. The immense love and joy she felt for her children was multiplied in Nathaniel, Ryan, and then Kyra. Oh how she delighted in those little lives.
In January of 2010 Marlene was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. As many witnessed she put up an amazing fight and not only did she fight the cancer but she also encouraged, uplifted, and strengthened everyone around her. Marlene was a great procrastinator and although she marveled at how God seemed to never leave her side she felt a strong need to be baptized. She finally “took the plunge” on Easter Sunday of last year and gain the peace she needed to continue her journey. Eventually she succumbed to the disease and passed away peacefully at home, just as she wanted, holding Derek’s hand.
Marlene was predeceased by her brother Mark, and father Vern. She is survived by her mother Hilda, husband Derek, children, Trevor, Travis (Cristal),and Candice, brothers Melvin (Lena), and Dwayne, grandchildren Nathaniel, Ryan, and Kyra, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews in-laws and friends.
Marlene will be remembered for her love, her generosity, and her smile.
Sleep tight my love, I’ll see you in my dreams.