1940 - 2021
With heavy hearts we announce the quiet, peaceful passing of our mother, Marlene Violet Maskluk Mervyn on Saturday, January 2, 2021.
Marlene was born on May 5th, 1940 in Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario. She was the youngest daughter of Mary Melenchenko and Stefan Maskluk. Wife of Ross Arthur Mervyn. Mother of Victoria (Mark) Santana and Janice (Mark Gaudet) Mervyn. Grandmother of Stormer Santana and Jake, Olivia and Isabella Gaudet. Sister of the late Lillian (late Harvey) Quesnele, Paul (Ann) Maskluk, Rose (late John) Smale and the late Harry Muskluk. Daughter-in-law of the late Ina Mervyn Kenney and the late Arthur Mervyn. Sister-in-law to Grant Mervyn. Aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Marlene grew up in Bayview. She was very proud of her west-end heritage and her childhood connections to the neighbourhood. She was an avid and active member of the YMCA all of her adult life. Marlene derived great pleasure and friendship from her athletic pursuits, running, cross-country skiing and tennis. She was a long time member of the Sault Stryders Running Club and RYTAC. Her love of gardening and water color painting brought her immense joy.
Mid-March, at the beginning of the pandemic, Marlene was diagnosed with Leukemia. So began a very challenging journey. While navigating treatment, her circle of health care was exceptional and ever generous. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you and deep gratitude to Dr. Brynlea Barbeau for her years of guidance, patience and support. Special thank you to Brenda Paat (N.P.), Drs. Gravelle, Hill, Buehner, Trusdale, Kargbo, Wilson, Parent and Resident Dr. Yi, who all provided compassionate, responsive, and caring medical support during this extraordinary time.
Our mother’s palliative course was eased by the skillful care providers who entered our world and remained steadfast by our side. Elena Robinson (LHIN Algoma), Group Health Centre Pharmacists Carla and Martin, the dedicated Bayshore nursing team of Leah, Rachelle, Alyssa, Jessica and PSW Donna, the Algoma Cancer Clinic staff, SAH Emergency staff, SAH Unit Floor 3B, and all the angels at ARCH where staff and volunteers provided exceptionally kind, loving and respectful care to our mother. We are forever grateful for the kindness and skill of Dr. Sharon Buehner who was available and generously supportive at every step of Marlene’s journey.
We are left saddened, yet, also buoyed by the remarkable acts of compassion experienced.
A special thank you to Ron Sonke, a very dear friend of Marlene and Ross, for all the years of support and guidance.
At Marlene’s request, a private family gathering has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522). Memorial contributions to ARCH Hospice or SSM YMCA would be greatly appreciated. Please visit Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family.
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May our mother be joyfully tending heaven’s garden now with her beloved pup Mandy at her heels.