It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marlene Kathryn Armstrong (nee Chase) on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at home in Fergus, Ontario.
Marlene was born on February 18, 1936 in Fort Frances, Ontario, to Norman and Geraldine (Reid) Chase. Her love of music was instilled into her at a very young age by her parents. Marlene along with her three sisters formed the Chase sisters that had their very own radio show on CFOB in the early 50’s. She had many careers, working at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Center as a medical stenographer and then when moving back to Fort Frances in 1973 started a 23-year career working for Family and Children’s Services retiring in December 1996.
Marlene was united in marriage with the love of her life Harold “Bo” Armstrong on September 15, 1956. Bo and Marlene were married for more than 61 years, raising their two children. Mother to son Hal Armstrong (Renee), grandsons Ciaran (Melanie) and Aidan Armstrong of Fergus, Ontario. Mother to daughter Kathryn Kaszas (Steve), grandson Stephen (Samantha), and favourite granddaughter Hallie of Toronto, Ontario.
Mom was most at home playing the piano where she would sit and play for hours on end, with my dad watching his “Lady Marlene” with a huge smile on his face. Mom did not just share her music with our dad. She was very active in her church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian, and was the organist for years. She also shared her keyboard talent for many weddings and celebration of life services at St. Andrew’s. Most recently, mom brought her talents to her most recent homes (Heritage River in Elora, Ontario, and Caressant Care in Fergus, Ontario) entertaining residents and staff. Nothing brings back a smile to a person’s face more than music and Marlene had the gift of being able to play any song. All you had to do was hum it and away she would go! In addition to her church duties Marlene was a member of the Redwing Rebekah Lodge in Fort Frances.
Marlene was predeceased by her husband Harold Bo Armstrong; parents Norman and Geraldine Chase; and three sisters and husbands, Gerrine (Jack) Mott of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Jo-Anne (Doug) McCaig of Fort Frances, Ontario and Jane (Ray) Dufresne of Thunder Bay Ontario.
She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in laws Reginald Armstrong of Apsley, Ontario, Phoebe (Jergen) Mosley of Atikokan, Ontario, Vivian (Don) Mullikan of Onalaska, Wisconsin, Sylvia (Dwayne) Batcher of International Falls, Minnesota, Dorothy (Verner) Norlund of Rainy River Ontario, Betty (George) Cawston of Fort Frances, Ontario, Pauline Smith of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Danny Rostie of Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Marlene is survived by her sister-in-law Anita Rostie of Toronto, Ontario, Shirley (Maxwell) Judd of Mississauga, Ontario; brother-in-law Glen Armstrong of Fort Frances, Ontario, Roger Armstrong (Linda) of Wasaga Beach, Ontario and Bill Smith of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Marlene will be greatly missed by many nieces and nephews and a lifetime of friends and family members.
A Celebration of Life was held in Fergus, Ontario on October 15.
Online condolences may be offered at www.grahamgiddyfh.com
A celebration of Life is planned in Fort Frances on Tuesday, October 25. Interment at the Riverview Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. Luncheon at the La Place Rendez-Vous Restaurant at 1:00 p.m.
If friends so desire in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to
Fort Frances Community Chest, c/o Linda Hamilton
1725 Sunset Drive, Fort Frances Ontario. P9A-3V2
