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MARLENE HOLLYOAKE
Born: Nov 07, 1962
Date of Passing: Feb 19, 2026
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MARLENE HOLLYOAKE
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts we announce that Marlene Eva Merrill Hollyoake passed away peacefully at Souris Hospital on February 19, 2026 at the age of 63.
Marlene was given a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in April, 2025. She extended the early prognosis of six months and began a 10 month journey of strength, determination, and resilience that left a positive effect on everyone along the way. She was determined to make it into 2026, giving her the time to spend with her kids, grandkids, family and friends. We are so blessed and thankful for that extra time.
Marlene was born November 7, 1962 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and was raised there for the majority of her early life. She then went on to complete her high school in Carman, Manitoba, alongside one of her best friends, Shelly. After graduation Marlene embraced the "farm life" where she raised her two children, Amy and Cody. She then went on working as an administrator in 2004 which lead to her meeting the love of her life, Mark.
Marlene was a shining light and had a genuine interest in people and always threw in a bit of humour too. When she wasn’t working you could find her devoting time with loved ones, planning the next adventure with Mark and the grandkids; Brandon, Ryleigh, Blake, Weston, Huxton, and Braxley. Meeting her soul mate Mark in 2004 then marrying in 2007 was in Mar’s words the "most awesome year ever!" In that year there was an engagement in Jamaica, the birth of first grandson Brandon, a family vacation in Mexico, and the wedding later that year. Together they shared the love for their children and grandchildren. Family trips were often taken - whether it was a quick trip to Riding Mountain or down south to the Caribbean to enjoy the warmer weather throughout winter. If there was an opportunity to "take off" for the day you can be assured Marlene took it. Making and capturing memories was always important to Marlene, every photo a vibrant smile filled with love. Retiring in 2020 gave Mar the opportunity to spend more time with her family. But Heaven came calling earlier than expected and in her last journey she is now reunited with her mom, Alvina Neumann and her sister Tracy Chase. Keeping her memory alive is her husband Mark Hollyoake, her children, Amy Hunter and Cody Allison, her stepchildren, Shane (Jen) Hollyoake and Savanna Hollyoake (Spencer) and grandchildren, Brandon, Ryleigh, Blake, Weston, Huxton, and Braxley. We love and miss you dearly.
A very special thank you to Dr. Cram whose compassion and care will always be remembered. Thank you also to Dr. Sopel and all of the nursing staff at Souris Hospital who continuously provided wonderful care that made the heavy days a little lighter. Thank you to Dr. P. Van Rensberg and also the staff at CancerCare Manitoba.
A Celebration of Marlene’s life will take place at Brockie Donovan Funeral Chapel, 322-8th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. In keeping with Marlene’s wishes, she has been laid to rest by her family privately at the Brandon Cemetery.
For those who are unable to attend, the family invites you to watch the livestream of Marlene’s Celebration of Life by visiting her tribute page at www.brockiedonovan.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marlene may be made to Souris Health Centre (Palliative Care Fund), CancerCare Manitoba, or to a charity of your choice.
As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 11, 2026