Marlene passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, in Victoria, BC. She was born on June 12, 1943, in Calgary, Alberta, and grew up in Cranbrook, BC, before moving to the Fraser Valley in 1976 and then to Vancouver Island in 1980.
Predeceased by her son, Jason, Marlene is survived by her husband, Peter; sister, Joan (Mike); son, Trevor (Katerina); grandchildren, Justin (Cynthia), Sienna (Nicholas), Ria (Michael), and Yianni; and great-grandchildren, Kalel, River, Brendan, and Kaitlyn. She will also be deeply missed by her brother-in-law, Kevin (Sue); nieces, Michelle, Robin, and Carolee; and many cousins and dear friends.
Marlene was known for her kindness, infectious laugh, and outgoing personality. She loved meeting new people and had many interests and hobbies, including gardening, reading, Gyro Club activities, and volunteering with Heritage Productions.
Although Marlene loved to travel and enjoy adventures around the world, her favourite place to spend time was at Cowichan Lake, where she cherished entertaining family and friends for many years.
Marlene had a very fulfilling professional life, working with the Provincial Court of British Columbia. The majority of her career was spent as Trial Coordinator and later as a Justice of the Peace, where she built lasting friendships and earned deep respect among colleagues. She retired in 2003.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. A light reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of BC.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Whelan” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
-
Clive Hall
-
Dennis Murray Pete: Your Marlene, wherever her soul rests today was touched, tickled and brimming with pride listening to your heartfelt stories of your lives together, delivered with so much love and laughs at the memorial today. Well done mate. The two of you are a formidable team and a stellar example of partnership and love.
I know you will be sustained by the great memories.
I shall hoist a rum and Pepsi to the two of you.
Go well Pete.
Dennis
-
Robin Read Don’t tell my other aunts but Auntie Marlene was always my favourite.
She lived a life rooted in love, kindness, and family, and she leaves behind so many beautiful memories that will stay with us always.
I hope she’s somewhere with her loved ones that went before her, dancing and singing Me & Bobby McGee to her hearts content.
I’m holding close so many wonderful memories and sending all my love to my Uncle Peter, my cousin Trevor, my Mom, the rest of our family and Mar’s friends during this time.
I am sad that I can’t be there to lay her to rest; but I am sending love and strength from afar.
I love you Auntie Marlene and will never forget you. xoxo
-
Shannon I had the pleasure and honour of working with Marlene. Like others said her laughter was infectious and unforgettable. I adored her no nonsense approach to work and what seemed like life as well. Her standing hair appointment every 6 weeks is one of those memories I will always remember because she was always impeccably poised.
-
Tony Palmer Marlene was a colleague and good friend and confidante for many years. Always professional, but with a huge heart, and endless good humour. We always knew things would run smoothly when Marlene was in charge, and we always knew she was nearby when we heard that lovely infectious laugh. She was truly loved and admired by all the Courthouse staff members and judiciary.
My sincere condolences to you Peter. Rest in peace Marlene.
-
Derek Chow My heartfelt condolences to Marlene’s family. As a VicPD court liaison officer I found Marlene to be of great assistance to our members and a pleasure to deal with. Will always remember her cheerful smile and positive attitude
-
Michelle & Steve Kulig I’m so grateful for the wonderful memories with my dear Auntie Marlene. She always showed genuine interest and care for people and her laugh was so infectious.
Steve and I were very fortunate that Aunt Marlene presided over our wedding in 2002 in her capacity as Justice of the Peace. Our very own Judge Judy made it very special
Sending our love and deepest sympathy,
Michelle, Steve, Kate, Lauryn (and Roxie )
-
Carolee Pearce Marlene will be greatly missed by all that knew her. She was truly an amazing woman, a wonderful mom and terrific grandma. Our hearts go out to Trevor, Katarina, Pete and family. She was such an important part of the family and please know our thoughts are with you all and our love and strength go out to you during this difficult time. We know how important she was to you all and hope your great memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. Love Carolee, Troy, Kaidyn, Riley and Brent
-
Tina and Eric Dear Peter,
On this difficult and sad occasion we share in your deep grief, the loss of Marlene. She was always effervescent, welcoming and full of love for our family. We will miss her laughter, her incredible meals and her zest for life.
To Trevor, we send our love and remember the wonderful memories of Chilliwack days, especially when I looked after you and Jason at Cultus Lake– very special.Love, Tina and Eric
-
Steve Salmond If there is a Hall of Fame for the BC Criminal Justice System then surely Marlene is in it. She kept the Victoria Courthouse running smoothly for many years. Loved and respected by all who worked with her – a rare feat indeed. My condolences to her family and friends.
-
Inger and Pat Marshall Pat and I extend our sincere condolences to you Peter and your family on Marlenes passing.
We both remember our China trip some years ago – what a great shared memory as well as Gyro get togethers.
Pat and Inger Marshall
-
Vic Simeoni Dear Pete and family, Our deepest condolences on the passing of Marlene…an incalculable loss for family and friends. With affection, Vic and Brenda Simeoni
-
Sandy Somner We have very fond memories of Marlene. Such a happy outgoing person. Our condolences go out to Peter and the rest of her family. I know she will be missed!
Sandy and Dennis Somner
-
Shirley(Kruesel) Martin Peter, Joan & family
My mother & Marlene were half sisters and I know they loved one another. I had the great pleasure of visiting with Marlene & Peter a number of years ago. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to grow the relationship living in different cities. Marlene was delightful, funny, warm & loving. I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Although I didn’t get the chance to know you all, please know that my heart is with you during this difficult time. My aunt was a truly special person, I know she will be deeply missed. Sending you all my sincere condolences, love & strength.
Shirley Martin
-
Katerina and Trevor Marlene was the very best mother-in-law, and a truly wonderful person to our children and grandchildren. She had a remarkable way of making everyone feel special, offering such genuine care, love, and joy at every occasion.
She was a gourmet cook—despite claiming she didn’t enjoy it—and somehow always created the most incredible meals for everyone to share.
We hold so many cherished memories at the lake… filled with laughter, dancing, and the kind of happiness that naturally followed wherever Marlene was. That was her gift—bringing people together in joy.
Words will never fully express how much she meant to our family. She will be deeply missed.
Forever in our hearts ❤️
-
Alison Holmes Please accept my sincere and deepest condolences to Marlene’s family and to all who knew and loved Marlene. Marlene was a breath of fresh air. Her kindness and laughter will be remembered with love by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.
-
Steve Kelliher Dear Pete…Deep condolences. Marlene was a unique and wonderful person. The court house was never the same after she left.
Best wishes,
Steve Kelliher
-
Yvonne Locke Marlene was a wonderful colleague and mentor in the trial coordinators office. Her laughter still resounds in my memories of her today. Condolences to the family.
-
Adele Hood Marlene had a smile and a laugh that would light up the room. She was a lovely lady and we will all miss her. We send our sincere condolences.
Love Robin and Adele Hood
-
Hayden (Hannah) Griffin Forever my great auntie Marlene️❤️
Although it has been over a decade since my last visit out west I still have such fond memories of the lake house❤️❤️Xoxo forever and always, “The Griffin Girls”
-
Kara Dear Uncle Pete,
I am so sorry for the passing of the wonderful Marlene, who was such a good friend to both of my parents, Eric and Tina, for most of their adult lives. I remember you all playing tennis and spending nights laughing and dancing. It inspired me to foster my own great friendships. I will always remember her laugh and smile. Spencer and I are thinking of you and family in this difficult time and sending so much love.
Kara
-
Mary Benko Mary Benko
Peter,Trevor and family
My deepest Sympathy to the family with love.
Mary
-
Gayle Erickson Dear Trevor and Katerina,
We were so saddened to hear of Marlene’s passing.
We have many great memories of spending time with her….Get togethers at the lake, New Year’s Eve dance parties, and our trip to Hawaii with Marlene & Pete.We enjoyed her vivacious personality and her laugh that always made us laugh.
Our hearts go out to you and your family.
Sharing in your sorrow with love and friendship.
Love Gayle & Lawrence
-
Sue Whelan Marlene was a wonderful sister in law and friend. We will miss her dearly. May the memories of her laugh and kindness be a comfort to us now. Our thoughts are with you in your sorrow.
With Love,
Kevin and Sue Whelan
-
Laura Fabbro Trevor , Katerina and family, sending you all a heartfelt hug along with our deepest sympathy.
Laura & Dana
So many great laughs..Marlene was a true mentor and I enjoyed working with her.
My heart goes out to family, friends and past colleagues.