Obituary of Marlene Ellen Trelka

It is with profound sadness that we announce the loss of our loving wife and mother, Marlene Ellen Trelka.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Ted, her son Terry (Heather), son Bobby (Alissa) and her grandchildren Teren, Charlie and Sarah. She is survived by her brothers Leroy (Sophie) and Wayne (Arlene), lifelong friend Gail Ballance, as well as her many nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends. She was predeceased by her parents William and Elizabeth (Ruby) Clarke.

Marlene was born in the RM of Wallace, MB and grew up in Winnipeg. At the age of 16, the TD Bank recruited Marlene out of high school. She worked at TD for 2 years and then switched over to the Bank of Montreal where she worked for 41 years, retiring in 1995.  She loved working for the bank and was very proud of her career. She served as an assistant manager in Killarney, manager of the branches in Baldur and Oak Lake, and customer service manager in Brandon. After retiring, Marlene continued working for the Bank both part time and during the RRSP season; at D'alliard's Clothing store; Patmore Nursery; and sorting potatoes at Keller farms near their acreage.

Marlene moved to Brandon as a young woman and while watching people skating at the Arena, pointed to one of the handsome young men skating and said "I'm going to marry that man" and so she did. Marlene and Ted were married on July 9, 1960; loving each other for nearly 64 years. In the years to follow they adopted their sons, Terry and Bobby.

Marlene and Ted were active members of the St. Joseph's Polish National Parish and the Sokol Association. Every year donating their time and effort, alongside the other members, to make hundreds of dozens of the famous perogies and cabbage rolls for church and Sokol Hall fundraisers. Marlene also served as the long time bookkeeper of the church and continued this even after moving to Winnipeg.

Marlene and Ted loved spending time in their flower beds and garden. For many years they entered their Canada Crescent garden and yard in the best dressed competition. Later in life they followed this passion on a big scale and in 2001 moved to a 40 acre hobby farm between Douglas and Carberry. There they tended to a large market garden for 12 years, selling the produce at the Farmers Markets in Brandon and Carberry. The hard work kept them young and their wonderful neighbors (Zwarichs; Beckers; and Browns) were always there to help when needed. Regular weekend visits and holidays spent at the acreage will always be cherished by the family; helping with the chores to work up a big appetite to enjoy Mom's delicious cooking and then playing cards or games afterwards.

In 2015 they retired from the acreage and moved to Winnipeg to be closer to their sons and grandchildren. They found a new place to call home at the Dawson Trails 55+ Apartments and began another chapter of their lives. Always the social butterfly, Marlene made friends right away, with her kind heart, infectious smile and laugh. She adored the little community at Dawson Trails and all the great friendships she made there. She always commented how, "Everyone takes care of everyone here". Never one to sit idle, she filled her days at Dawson Trails enjoying mornings with the coffee crew; playing bridge and crib; knitting with the ladies; yoga class; her daily stationary bike rides and cooking and caring for her husband. Marlene and Ted also loved going to the casino for an evening out with good friends (usually Paulette and Diane). They continued to make perogies and perogy pie for as long as they could; had a small garden plot to tend in Terry's backyard; and tomatoes and flowers on the balcony. They were always excited for their regular trips back to Brandon (with Paulette their trusty driver) to visit friends and attend mass.

Mom was lovingly known by her sons as a wealth of knowledge. If you had a question about absolutely anything, why Google it, just call Mom and she always had an answer for you. That loss will be felt deeply everyday.

Your thoughts, prayers, cards and flowers in our time of grief were heartfelt and very much appreciated. We would also like to acknowledge that it is not just our small family that suffered this loss, that we recognize the profound grief that her friends and extended family felt at the news of her passing. From us, to all of you, we express our deepest condolences for your loss as well.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life for friends and family will take place at noon, on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in the common area of the main building, Dawson Trail Apartment Complex, located at 15 Leveque Street, Winnipeg.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of choice.