MARLENE ANNA NEUFELD

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARLENE ANNA NEUFELD With immense sadness we announce the passing of Marlene Anna Neufeld (nee Martens) on the afternoon of August 23, 2018, surrounded by loving family. Marlene left us in the same way she lived her life. Graciously with a smile on her face, wanting to see anyone who wanted to visit, and saying goodbye with an "I love you" for everyone. She is deeply missed by her husband of 56 years, Henry, her daughter Christine (Jason, Andrew, Nathan and Matthew), her son Curtis (Tina and Benny) and her son Cameron (Eli and Hannah). She also leaves her sisters, Catheryn (Steve) and Carry (Will), brother Rick (Carole), and many family and friends who have lost someone very dear to them. She was someone who people remembered fondly. Marlene was predeceased by both parents, her brother Ed and sister-in-law Pat. Marlene was born 75 years ago to parents Abe and Agatha who adored their curly haired daughter. She lived a rich life with her parents, siblings and large extended family. She loved her cousins. One day she left school and walked in high heels to Macleod's head office (the only office building in the west end neighbourhood) and got her first job. Soon after she pursued Henry who, from beginning to end, was the great love of her life. They were married in 1962 in June - which was her favourite month of the year. She loved her life with Henry and her big family and many, many friends. She said, "Life with Henry was easy, we made the best of all the bumpy things along the road". She liked belonging to groups like Tabitha, Golden girls, Book Club (Mennonite women love to drink wine and read), Women's bible study, Carolling group, Millionaires Club, the golf group and the gym friends. She didn't just show up - she made sure there was good conversation, lots of laughter, and delicious food. If all this could happen outside all the better. She loved her screen room and cherished the many dinners with Henry overlooking their beautiful Charleswood yard. It only got better if her family was there too, especially her five beloved grandchildren. About Andrew, Nathan and Matthew, she was a proud, loving grandma, always amazed at their accomplishments and loving their company. About Eli, she felt a special heart connection and was grateful he came to their place so often. About Hannah, she saw that they liked the same things and couldn't believe her good luck to have a granddaughter who "got her". She said laughingly she would have liked to be around to give her some advice, but it was ok because she probably wouldn't have taken it anyway. Marlene loved to be well-dressed and always brought beauty wherever she went. She would have liked to be a clothing designer and she would have been good at it. She was generous with her food, her clothes, her home and her conversations. She said, "I love having fun. I've never gotten it out of my system and never will. I want to be remembered for just loving people - there is nothing that makes me happier than being around people. I love being a good friend. It's all about caring and people's kindness." And people's kindness she spoke about often especially in these last nine years where cancer made her aware of how precious life is. Life won't be the same without her. Memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Avenue. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations to research at CancerCare Manitoba or the Palliative Care Unit at Riverview Health Centre.

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 01, 2018