September 15, 1956 – May 28, 2022
It is with profound sadness that the family of Marlene Indian announce her sudden passing on May 28, 2022, at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Marlene was born in the town of Rainy River to the parents of Norman and Mary Indian. Marlene otherwise known as Merle lived her life in the community of Big Grassy First Nation and it is there where she raised her two children, Leland and Lynn Marie Indian and later her grandchildren.
Marlene spent her earlier years working in at the local resorts and later becoming focused on raising her children and her role as a full time mother. She not only raised her children but she was also a caregiver to numerous nieces, nephews and close family relations, at times stepping in to fulfill a mother’s role.
Marlene was caring, genuine, always helping others and a strong independent woman who opened her home to many different families when she was needed. Marlene was easily able to make friends with many individuals along her life and was well liked by those who became friends. She had the ability to share her humorous side with those she met and could make others laugh and create memories.
Marlene was active in community functions as a helper, volunteer and was proud to carry the traditional drum of the community for many years. Marlene was a woman who followed her cultural teachings and was always passing those teachings down her to her family in the Ojibwe language, which she shared freely to her grandchildren. Marlene participated in a variety of cultural activities and took great pride in her ability to help and learn.
Marlene became ill in the latter part of 2019 with CHF and struggled, but become focused to live a healthier life to create more time with her family. Family was priority and will always continue to be her legacy.
It is what she would want that, all of her family to do, is to take care of one another and do good.
Marlene was predeceased by her son Leland; grandson Linden; parents Norman and Mary; siblings Ronnie, Tommy, Dwight, Norman, and Darlene; other children she raised Dawn, and Tania Indian.
Marlene is survived by her daughter Lynn (Rueben), David; brothers Robert and Peter Christensen; grandchildren Nancy (Kevin), Joshua, Kalee, Brandon, Tyson, Evan, Kaelin, Mariah and Isaac; and great-grandchildren Linden, Zealand and Denlee; along with so many more close family.
Pallbearers are Kevin Gemmell, Sean Comegan, Jeff Morrison, Bob Copenace, Dailen Tuesday and Nathan Jack. Honorary Pallbearers are all of those who held a special place in her heart.
Traditional wake will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. at the Big Grassy First Nation Community Hall, followed by a traditional service on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.
