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.
25 Responses
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.
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
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.
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
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”
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
Peter,Trevor and family
My deepest Sympathy to the family with love.
Mary
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
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
Trevor , Katerina and family, sending you all a heartfelt hug along with our deepest sympathy.
Laura & Dana