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Marlene Dolores Colston
August 27, 1941 - December 14, 2023
Tribute
Colston, Marlene (nee Clearwater)
Marlene Colston passed away peacefully at her home in Abbotsford, BC on December 14th, 2023. She had been dealing with a variety of serious ailments caused by a stroke in December 2012. She will be dearly missed by her husband of 60 years, Rick 82, her brother Dale (Angelita) from Chilliwack, her daughter Cindy 54, from Lone Butte, BC, and incredibly was predeceased by her son Dean 58, only 11 days prior to her passing. She is also survived by her granddaughter Chelsey from Williams Lake, BC, and great grandchildren Eva and Emelia as well as her grandson Taylor from 100 Mile House. Marlene had a very close relationship with her children and granddaughter. She spoke nightly with her children and weekly with her granddaughter.
Marlene was born August 27, 1941, in Vancouver, to Mildred and Wilfred (Buster) Clearwater. Grew up in the Kitsilano and Oakridge area. She attended John Oliver Secondary. Marlene was a Waltz Champion during High School. Marlene met Rick at a house party in Grade 11. She asked Rick to dance, and the rest is history. They continued their relationship over the next 6 years while Rick went to college for 4 years in the United States. They were married on July 6, 1963. She will be greatly missed.
Marlene was in hospital from December 22, 2012, until Easter 2013 when she was finally allowed home following her stroke. She was cared for by outpatient services (Physio, Occupational and Speech Therapy) at Abbotsford Regional Hospital for several years where she progressed to using and getting around with her walker. She always has enjoyed reading novels, she was a whiz at easy crossword puzzles, and loved watching many TV programs including Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Price is Right, and News Hour, especially KOMO TV weather.
Marlene had a big heart and was a devoted Vancouver Canucks fan. Marlene loved flowers and gardening. Her favourite saying was “Thank You”
She attended Maplewood Adult Day program during 2013 until December 2023 except for several stays at the hospital.
Marlene participated in Bible Study at the Salvation Army led by Peter Roed. She volunteered at Hospice, and the Salvation Army for many years sorting clothes. At 8 pm daily, Marlene said her prayers for many people and read the Bible for approximately 45 minutes.
The family camped and fished often when Dean and Cindy were younger, with a 25’ camper with a 12’ Springbok with 9.8 horsepower motor on back. Many memories were made on Vancouver Island, Long Beach (camping on the sand), Campbell River, as well as Chilliwack Lake, Deer Lake, Prince George area, Peace River, Whistler, and Vernon. The family also made a trip in the camper to Disneyland. Marlene and Rick thoroughly enjoyed their modified trailer with a cabin for 39 years at Paradise Lakes Country Club in the US. They made several great friends and enjoyed many great campfires over the years.
Marlene had serious health problems over the very recent years that finally led to her passing. We would like to thank our General Practitioner, Dr. Culkin, for all her extra time spent with Marlene. Also, special thanks to the Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Emergency Department, Internal Medicine Department, Cardio Department, ACE, and The Seniors Clinic Internal Medicine, Dr. Davé for prolonging her life in order that Marlene could continue enjoying home life. A special thank you to her recent Home Support Workers Nancy and Aman. Marlene looked forward to their arrival each time. Thank you to our next-door neighbour Marguerite for doing Marlene’s hair on a regular basis.
A Celebration of Life for Marlene and her son, Dean will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 12:00 noon in The Fireside Room at Cascade Community Church (The Salvation Army) 35190 Delair Road, Abbotsford. A light lunch will be provided, following the service.
In lieu of flowers please donate to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice.
Condolences
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From: Bakerview Community Crematorium & Celebration Centre
Bakerview Community Crematorium & Celebration Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Sharon Gatto
Relation: Life long friend
Many get togethers/good times/challenging times throughout our lives were shared with Marlene from our teenage years right through growing up years and all fondly remembered – she was a good friend and a nice person to know and will be missed not only by Rick and her children/grandchildren but by all of us who knew her.
From: Tom and Dianne Carras
Relation: Neighbour
Rick, our thoughts are with you during this time. Cherish the memories of Marlene and Dean, they are with you always! Love Tom and Dianne
From: Dorothy & Eric Taylor
Relation: Acquaintances from Campers Paradise from 1998 to 2011.
We are sorry to hear of Marlene’s passing. We remember Marlene and Rick from Campers Paradise. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
From: Gary Edmunds
Relation: Through Rick. We worked together at Queens Park Hospital.
To Rick and family: So very sorry to hear of the tragic double loss in your family.Remember the good times many years ago at your home and time spent with you both. Also the visit to my home in Sunshine Hills when Dean brought his drums to perform. My thoughts are with you and the family at this sad time in your lives. Remember too the time we spent together
at Queens Park and the occasional lunches.
Best wishes and kind regards, Gary Edmunds.
From: Freda Mihalicz
Relation: Camper's Paradise buddy and visiting Abbotsford Hospital when my Dennis had his amputations & Marlene's stroke.
My sincere condolences to you Rick and the family! I am always remembering the “good old days” at Camper’s in your cul de sac as THE meeting place! Rick, you and Marlene had an “open arm” atmosphere to us all. Then when my Dennis was in hospital, having his amputations, You were there caring for Marlene shortly after her stroke and again showing your compassion and friendship! Marlene was a quiet ,strong little lady that loved her world around her. Loving memories are to be held dearly in the heart as you get through these tough days without our loved ones. Please take care of each other. God Bless you all.
From: Lorraine Dickman
Relation: Close friend
I shall have remember Marlene as my dear close
friend who I was honoured to know for over 37 years and who I worked beside for 14 years. I was one of the many who was the recipient of her kind and gentle heart. I know she prayed daily for me and my family; and I shall miss those precious prayers and the friendship we shared.
My heart goes out to Rick and to Cindy as they mourn the incredible loss of Cindy
& of Dean. May God’s peace surround you during this difficult time. With love, Lorraine.
From: Clare Moriarty
Rick and Cindy – I’m so very sorry to hear of the passing of Dean and Marlene within days of each other. I suppose there is some comfort in knowing they are together but it leaves such a large whole for those left behind. I have lovely childhood memories of both Dean and Marlene. I hope the pain of their loss will soon be replaced with fond memories.
From: Kimberly Mercer
Relation: Childhood friend of Cindy Simpkins
To Rick + Cindy!
I am so sorry for your loss of Marlene and Dean ( aka. Chris….as that was what we called him back then). I remember how kind and so loving your Marlene was when I came over alot to hang out with Cindy, how she drove us to the mall and the roller rink back then. I stayed over many a times and enjoyed all her home cooked meals. Dean was always playing his drums and always had an audience…ha ha! So long ago but good memories! I remember driving with you Cindy to your mom and dads trailer in the U.S….so many fond memories. I know they are together and I pray continually for you Cindy and Rick for comfort and Gods constant presence and strength to help you through the grief. Your in my thoughts!
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
January 20, 2024
Beginning at 12:00pm
Location:
The Fireside Room at Cascade Community Church
35190 Delair Rd
Abbotsford, BC Canada V3G 2E2
A light lunch will be provided, following the service.
35190 Delair Rd
Abbotsford, BC Canada V3G 2E2
Memorial Gifts
The Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Magnolias on Main
33253 1st Ave. Mission, BC V2V 1G6
(604)826-1110
http://www.magnoliasonmainflowers.com
All Tymes Florist
14567 – 72 Avenue, Surrey B.C.
604-596-6766
http://www.alltymesflorist.ca
Floral Symphony
Serving the entire lower mainland
778-558-0826
http://www.afloralsymphony.com
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Send Condolence - For Marlene Colston
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