M. E. Marlene Giroux

GIROUX, Margaret Elizabeth Marlene (née Clark) – Born in Noranda, Quebec on June 13th, 1945, the second daughter of Jim and Loretta Clark (Auger), Marlene passed away unexpectedly on June 1st, 2024, after complications from surgery.

She is survived and will be dearly missed by her husband of nearly 56 years, Paul, and her children Leah (Michael) and Mark (Shannon). She was a beloved, doting, and proud grandmother to her amazing grandsons Zachary, Charlie, Edward and Graeme. 

Marlene was a dedicated teacher and private tutor, still vigilant of grammar and spelling well beyond her retirement. She enjoyed many wonderful trips with Paul to destinations near and far, relishing travels with her family. She was a generous and involved mother whose concern and care for her children were central to her day-to-day life. Her interest in the varied activities of her grandsons kept her on many sidelines, at the rink, or in the theatre. Marlene, Charster, Marl or Auntie M was always up for a family gathering and would not only keep us giggling, but would also fill the room with her easy laughter. There were many nights around the dinner table with old friends, while Elvis or John Denver played in the background. 

She is further survived by her sisters Shirley (Dan) of Kingston, Betty (Jean) of Guelph, baby brother Alan (Margaret) of Edmonton and brother-in-law Pierre (Joan) of Toronto. She is also survived by her extended family of aunts and cousins across Canada. She was a much-loved aunt and great-aunt to her adored nieces and nephews who were all most likely recipients of her beautiful handmade quilts and blankets. 

Although many health issues tried to dampen her spirits in recent years, she did her very best to stay active and enjoy life to the fullest with her dear friends from her friendship group and her regular afternoons of cards and Mahjong. Marlene leaves a legacy of kindness, friendship, and the importance of family.

The family would like to thank Dr. Tom Tobin for his years of medical care, the staff from 5W at GGH and the many wonderful nurses and members of the cardiac care team at St. Mary’s, Kitchener. 

The family will welcome friends on Wednesday, June 5 from 6:00-8:00pm at WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 206 Norfolk St, Guelph. A private interment will take place later at Marymount Cemetery. 

Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Marlene’s name to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Canadian Cancer Society or Lupus Canada. 

A tree will be planted in memory of M. E. Marlene Giroux in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.