Marlene Schnarr

One beautiful day in 1936 on May 13th,  in the small town of Sudbury Ontario, an even more beautiful baby was gifted to the world and they named her 'Marlene' . The family moved to Nipigon when she was one year old. Her mother along with Marlene's 10 siblings traveled from Sudbury to Nipigon in a station wagon.  Her father had already relocated and was working in a bush camp there.

Marlene was a spunky child. At age 5 she opened her first business at the bush camp where her older sister Lillian was working as a camp cook.  She got busy right away making mud pies and decorating them with flowers and selling them to the men that worked there. Her childhood years were somewhat chaotic.

Marlene made her way through her younger years, having fun with friends and exploring the area they lived in. She met and married Charles Schnarr when she was 16 and he was 19. They got married in 1953. Six children were to follow. She moved to Alberta in 1972 and the family settled on a farm outside of St Albert.

Marlene spent over 30 years driving the school buses in her area. She loved to work at the Auction Mart in Morinville, and to frequent garage sales whenever she could. She would collect various treasures including antiques, and have very successful garage sales on the farm. She was a spectacular candy house maker, baker, and crafts woman. She could make something out of anything, and she did.

Marlene spent 20 years volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul Society.  A charitable organization that provides household necessities for the underprivileged.  She was a huge contributor to the success of the annual fund raising sales the society holds.

Marlene met Raymond Plante in 1994 and they became fast friends. Marlene became a part of Ray's large extended family and was beloved by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Marlene's love and legacy lives on in the hearts of both families and the many friends that she came to know.

Marlene enjoyed organizing the bus for the residents in her building during their monthly casino trips and the many days and nights playing cards with the ladies.

All who knew her felt loved and welcomed into her home and life. She always had a smile and knew how to make people feel important and special. She loved her 17 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren dearly and did so many things for them to make their times together with her fun and memorable. One big bowl of jello, a sheet on the floor, and grandchildren gathered around with spoons in their hands was a treat they will not forget.  She let the grandchildren have free reign of her huge, productive, garden; the only rule she had was that they had  to eat whatever they picked. Not until recent years did the confession come forth from her granddaughter and grandson that they would stash peas under the corn for later consumption.

Marlene was predeceased by her father Malcolm and mother Florence, son Louis,  and 10 siblings: Douglas, Lillian, Ronald, Corrine, Mervin, Malcom, Everet, Evelyn, June and Jacky.

There is a void left in the world, and we all dearly miss her sparkling presence.

A service in her honor will be held at the Red Willow Community Church at 3:00 on January 3rd 2025. 15 Corriveau Ave, St. Albert, AB T8N 5A3

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to St.Vincent de Paul Edmonton.