Of course our condolences are with you as we remember together Marlene
and the emptiness her passing leaves in our family. Blessing and comfort to all of you as you go through this day of memories. I so wanted to be able to join you in person but my responsibilities at home just did not allow me to make the journey. Please know that my heart is with you. With love, Janice (and family)
How sad it was to hear of Marlene’s passing this month. It was always a pleasure to play bridge at her home a few times a year. She was an excellent bridge player and hostess and Bob backed her up with directing the traffic each time. She always was excited to share the pictures of family travels and events with us. I was glad to see her in the grocery store before Covid and have a nice little chat with her. We had missed her at bridge this year. May God bless Bob and the family as they walk through this season of life. Ruth Davidson
Uncle Larry sent Katherine and I a very heart felt note, which I will repost here:
Bob & Kathi,
It is with great sorrow that I write this note. Marlene's passing was a shock, all my conversations with her this year seemed fine but unknown to us here was her battle with a crippling, nasty disease. I don't think Alois Alzheimer could be totally appreciative having this named after him. Sue and I met Bob and Marlene in Boca Raton 2+ years ago and we had a great time there. I will think of that often as it was our last visit together. We had started to plan on a trip to Ottawa for this Fall just before the pandemic hit. Sadly, that did not happen, of course.
The Kolesar's have lost both our parents as you know and it is not easy - but it gets better. However, until Gramma Loretta's passing we frequently got together in Butte in the summer and Marlene and Bob would join us often. We had lots to keep us busy - golfing, Lewis & Clark Caverns, Deer Lodge Antique Car Museum, venturing out in the Montana forests, and getting all the local relatives together. Too bad we didn't visit more often after that.
I've been thinking of Marlene and the influence she had on me over the years. Even with our age difference when we were kids, I have nothing but positive memories. It was interesting living in her shadow in school because she was a straight "A" genius which the teachers always pointed out. I thank God my parents understood that I was not a rock star with the grades. I also know how well the city of Manotick community thought of your mother. She loved her library volunteer work.
All we can do is cherish her memory and remember all the good times and her great contribution to her family and community. You guys take care and we will see you whenever the celebration of life happens.