Obituary of Marlene Joan Lennon

Marlene Joan Lennon (nee Stears) became an angel on Saturday December 16, 2023.

Born Marlene Joan Stears to Pearl Annie Marie and Robert W. Stears in Stratford, Ontario on November 23, 1940.

Marlene met and married the love of her life Vincent Joseph Lennon on September 1, 1962, and for 61 years they lovingly journeyed together raising 3 beautiful daughters. She is dearly missed as the best mom ever to Anita Marie (Michael), Debbi Marlene (Kevin), Colleen Sara (Drew), Loving grandmother to Mikayla Christean (Justin) and Joel Vincent and special G.G. (which she coined herself) to Jace Stephen who loved singing with her.

She is predeceased by her parents, her sister Barbara, sisters-in-law Ann, Mary and Margaret, brothers-in-law Tony and Bob and nephew Peter.

Marlene is fondly remembered by her sisters Teresa (John) Geals, and Karen (Pete) Cockburn, brother Brian (Pat) Stears and brother-in-law Fred Reiger. As well as many nieces and nephews and dear friends. More than one has told us she was their favourite.

Marlene’s career started as a medical receptionist at Stratford General Hospital and then became a legal secretary for Wilf Gregory and Associates in Stratford. While raising her young family she worked part time in retail at Towers and K-Mart. Vince, Marlene and family moved to Calgary in 1979 where she worked in the office for Calgary Co-Op where she made and treasured her lifelong friends as far away as Ireland. When they moved back to Ontario she worked for Gunn and Associates in St. Thomas where she retired.

Marlene always felt her most important job and greatest joy was being a good wife and raising a happy, healthy family.

Fearless, creative, inspiring, yet humble Marlene always looked for the good in a person. She had a wicked sense of humour and the voice of an angel. She could play piano and was an outstanding baker, cook, interior decorator, seamstress in fact she made a lot of our clothes growing up and even a wedding dress and a veil or two. She loved to help with any craft project and if she didn’t know how to do it she would take a course or teach herself like cake decorating or splatter or border painting.

Marlene was adored by her many dogs and grand dogs. She enjoyed taking them for walks and giving them the end of her ice cream cone.

Throughout her life Marlene loved traveling whether it was Hawaii, a cruise with Ron and Dorothy or winning an all expense paid vacation on the radio to Barbados with Vince by her side or the week long vacations to Port Albert, the Parkway Inn  or travelling with her grandchildren to Tobermory she loved it all and made our life and experiences richer and cherished by all who were lucky enough to know,  respect and journey with her.

A heartfelt thanks to our friends and family who have reached out and a special thank you to our friends at Glendale Crossing for your care and compassion and for making Marlenes final home one of beauty and warmth.

At Marlene’s request you are invited to a celebration of her life Saturday May 11 at Glendale.