Sarah Marlene Bruce
December 8, 1942 – January 21, 2014.
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear mother, Sarah (Marlene) Bruce. She will be missed and fondly remembered by those whose lives she touched.
Marlene was a woman with great love of family. Her kids, grandkids, siblings, in-laws, cousins, and friends are all family, their pictures and gifts adorn her apartment. A very caring lady, Marlene was quick to help a friend and more often than not provided clarity in family matters. There can be no replacing the good things she did for all of us.
The love of Marlene’s life was Ivan – they met in Fort St John, married in 1959 and raised a family of four children. Together they took on whatever barrier to their future stood in their way and beat it. Marlene and Ivan became central figures in Houston BC, where they owned the Super Valu and Jewellery store. She proved herself to be an astute businesswoman. The back room of her store with the big table was a center of activity; stories and laughter were the order of the day. Marlene’s nature made it easy and comfortable to be around her, she had many friends. Avid golfers, Marlene and Ivan built the first golf course in Houston, the locals quickly supported them and it was an excellent addition to a small little northern town. Another sporting pastime was curling, Marlene became team skip in short order. Curling and golfing carried an active social life that they both embraced, and in turn their social network flourished, many enduring friendships grew from those days. Fort St. John, Terrace, Houston, Prince George, Penticton, Oliver – wherever Ivan’s work led them she was by his side through both the tough and the good times. They retired to Oliver in where the house with the pool provided some of the best days and nights we have ever seen. August long weekend, the family golf tourney and good times with friends abounded. Everyone was welcome, Marlene was truly happy and content there. With the passing of Ivan in 2005, Marlene moved to Summerland where her daughter Warrene lives, they would visit daily, share a glass of wine and talk about the day. Being the nearest child, Warrene became Marlene’s primary caregiver and was with her at her time of passing.
Marlene loved her kids and adored their kids, sons Keith (Daniel, Claire) of Pitt Meadows, Darcy of Cabo San Lucas, daughters Warrene (Coleman, Hailey) of Summerland and Tanya (Taylor, Sarah) of Pitt Meadows. Son-in-laws Helgy (Warrene) and Dan (Tanya) mourn her loss.
Daughter of Metro and Ethel Prokopchuk, Marlene was the youngest of 4 children, being predeceased by brother Austin, sister Pat and survived by sister Shirley of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Special thanks to Dr. Stevens and Moog Hospice House for their professionalism and humanity. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Moog and Friends, 1701 Government St. Penticton, BC, V2A 8J7 Bruce Family. A memorial service was held January 24, 2014 from Providence’s Summerland Rosedale Chapel.
Condolences may be sent to the family through
www.providencefuneralhomes.com