Marlene Wilson

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Marlene Wilson, our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Friend, on Friday, December 3, 2021 at the age of 85. Marlene was born on September 12, 1936 to parents Helena "Viola" and Jona "Johnny" Ehrlich.

Marlene is survived by her children Tracy Irwin (Duane) of Nanaimo, BC and Mark Allen (Giselle) of Kelowna, BC; grandchildren Kara Arnold (Aaron) of Nanaimo, BC, Leigh Belcher of St. Albert, AB and Cody Allen of Chilliwack, BC; great-grandchildren Claudia Arnold, Thea Arnold and Delilah Arnold; and siblings John Ehrlich of Edmonton, AB and Myrna Kew of Nanaimo, BC. She is predeceased by her parents Viola and Johnny Ehrlich; first husband David Richard “Rex” Allen; second husband John Gurney Wilson; and siblings George Ehrlich and Robert "Bob" Ehrlich.

Born in Canora, SK, as the 3rd of five children and eldest daughter, Marlene gained her work ethic at a young age on the family farm. Marlene worked for the Department of National Defense after high school. She then went on to a long career with the Bank of Montreal, from which she retired in 1995. She raised her young children around the world, finally settling in Nanaimo in 1974.

Marlene was a generous person who loved helping others and was always a dedicated member of any community in which she lived. She was a long-time leader in the Girl Guides organizations in both Nanaimo, BC and Edmonton, AB, as well as volunteering for Meals on Wheels and Spud Patrol – People Feeding People. Marlene was a member of the United Church of Canada and was responsible for spearheading the Prayer Shawl Ministry of Trinity United Church.

Gardening was a lifelong passion of Marlene's, and one she loved sharing with others, especially her grandchildren. Many seasons were spent admiring the hummingbirds that would visit the feeders she had placed in her garden, and she greeted each morning with a strong cup of black coffee. She was always up for an adventure, whether it be backpacking across the pond, getting a tattoo impulsively (at 82!), or having tea parties with her great granddaughters. Marlene will be remembered for her timely cards, adventurous soul, tenacious spirit, and no-nonsense approach to life.

Following Marlene’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marlene’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or ALS Canada.