MARLENE LOUISE PASSANTE (SOTKE)

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MARLENE LOUISE PASSANTE (nee SOTKE) "Like no Other" Marlene persevered through her illness in the same manner in which she lived her life - with tenacity and spunk. She managed to maintain her spirit and humour until her last days. With broken hearts we announce her passing on September 23, leaving us only with memories and the value she added to many peoples' lives. Marlene was traditional in her ideas, morals and values, yet full of intensity, humour, and boldness beyond her time. Her life was not without struggle as she persisted through challenging personal issues, the loss of dear family members and friends, and the lengthy illness that may have paralyzed a weaker personality. Marlene was born in Ericksdale, January 3, 1946 and grew up in Winnipeg, spending summers at the Roehl farm in Moosehorn. Marlene met her heartthrob Tino in 1963 and they were married in 1966. Together they successfully built a nest egg they used to design and build their family home in 1979. It is on Envoy Crescent that Marlene realized her dream garden. Growing up with a single mother, Marlene was frugal and creative crafting something out of nothing in the kitchen, home or garden. Her experiences of having so little made her generous, willing to share veggies, time, creative thinking and later in life, money, with those dearest. Marlene had strong ideals regarding being a wife and mother and in caring for her family and home. She was an excellent cook, renowned for her giant chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies, as well as cakes, pies, and "the dessert". Marlene believed her greatest accomplishments were in being a mother and in encouraging her daughters' achievements. Lisa was born in 1975 and Adriana in 1983. Marlene believed her girls could do anything and encouraged them to be the best they could. She had a strong value for education and was infinitely proud to see Adriana and Lisa's University graduations and was proud to have contributed in supporting them through their studies. In later life, Marlene's caring extended to a special relationship with daughter-in-law Jackie. Marlene found immense satisfaction, fun and happiness in becoming a "Nonnie" to Ruby in 2008 and Leonie in 2012. This allowed Marlene to soften, and enjoy life in new ways. With Ruby she was able to reach out, connect, show affection and enjoy it in return. She shared affection, curiosity, appreciation, and loving energy with Leonie. Marlene is predeceased by her father Gustav, mother Lydia, mother-in-law Santina, brothers-in-law Melo and Roy, aunts and uncles, dear friends, and several treasured cats. Marlene leaves to mourn her dedicated husband Tino, daughters Lisa (Jackie) and Adriana, and precious granddaughters Ruby and Leonie, sister Adeline, father-in-law Giuseppe, in-laws Pierina (Manuel), Grace (Allen), Lucy (Luigi) and Silvana (Dominic), the Kuryk family, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. Those individuals that touched Marlene's life, or were touched by her, understand how she was "like no other". Although she tried to keep people out, once you were in her heart or home she was extremely generous, and there was nothing she wouldn't do for you. The loss of Marlene will leave a void in the hearts of those that knew her well. Those same individuals will live with the examples and legacy set by a strong, passionate, knowledgeable and principled woman. Please join us for a celebration of Marlene's life at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 27 at Mosaic Funeral Chapel, 1006 Nairn Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association. For online condolences, more information or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca 1839 Inkster Blvd. 1006 Nairn Ave. 204-275-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 26, 2013