Obituary of MARLENE JUNE FRIESEN (NEE KULMAN)
MARLENE JUNE FRIESEN
(NEE KULMAN)
On Friday, October 16th, 2020 at Concordia Place, Marlene June Friesen aged 79 of East St. Paul, Manitoba went to dance with angels.
She is survived by one daughter Charlynn Sparkes(Mike), son Richard (Heidi) Friesen, four grandchildren Stephanie(Tony), David, Larissa Sparkes and Tyson Friesen. She is predeceased by her husband Jake Friesen, parents Richard and Frieda Kulman, and sister Diann Prada of Calgary. She leaves a niece Andrea(Jason) and Owen Hamm, and nephew Roger Prada, of Calgary. She will be lovingly remembered by her best friend Mary Lynne(Tom) and many dear friends.
Marlene was born on September 24, 1941 in Winnipeg to Richard and Frieda Kulman. In childhood she lived on Alexander Avenue later moving to a farm near the present site of Chief Peguis School. She would tell stories of life on the farm and the hard work ethic she inherited from her parents. Her teenage years were filled with fun and she was always up for a good laugh! Marlene was a real beauty and caught the eye of Jake with his love of cars, dancing and the drive in. Jake was a talented mechanic and they married in 1961 living first at Greene Avenue and later moving to their dream home in East St. Paul where they raised their children. Richard and Charlynn enjoyed childhood vacations to Hawaii, train trips to Calgary, camping in the mountains and countless special times with neighbors, family and friends. Marlene enjoyed driving in her 1979 white corvette with her distinctive license plate LUV-IT. She also cherished her grandchildren creating special memories with each of them including bonfires, her decorative wood (not to be burned!), making cookies, playing board games (which she loved- NOT!) family suppers, holidays and summer fun visiting her trailer at Winnipeg Beach.
Marlene worked for River East School Division at many schools as head secretary including Dr. Hamilton, Chief Peguis, Valley Gardens and Kildonan-East where she made lasting friendships. She was independent, smart and creative. Her organizational skills were next to none, and she could manage a school office like no one else! She had many part-time jobs once she retired, including Sobeys, Ludwick Catering, Remax, and West-Can. Marlene loved Honolulu and spent most winters there enjoying her long walks along Ala Moana canal, basking in front of the Pink Castle, and dancing at Coconut Willy’s. She also loved her many cats, who were her lifelong friends.
Cremation has taken place and a private family burial will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff of Concordia Place for their care and kindness. Mom fell ill far too soon and piece by piece we let her go. Now she will rest in eternal peace. We will keep her memory alive by remembering the way in which she lived her life with courage and grace mixed in with a sprinkle of good fun and laughter.
Giant waves at sunset
Crash upon Oahu’s rugged shore
A giant tortoise rides along to the ocean floor.
Tiny sailboats zigzag across Waikiki Bay
As a million tiny stars prepare to light their way.
Warm gentle breezes sway the ferny palms
While ukuleles strum sweet Hawaiian songs.
On the horizon, God’s fading light
Ignite the north star into that gentle good night.
Ribbons of ebony wrap themselves around her,
The Earth whispers a sigh,
Time to rest now,
As the night draws nigh,
We love you mom & gramma,
Aloha
Never goodbye.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of MARLENE
JUNE
FRIESEN NEE KULMAN Friday October 16 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba