“A mother’s love is forever imprinted
on the hearts of her children”
SPENCER, Marlene Joan – With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, Marlene, at the age of 93, in Ottawa, Ontario on Sunday October 11, 2026.
Marlene was the beloved wife, for 62 years, of the late Carl Allison Spencer. She is survived by her four children, Suzanne (Ewen), Carrie (Paul), Rob (Sheila), and Jane (Al), her grandchildren, Alexander (Sherri), Cameron (Yvonne), Vanessa (Anh), Carley (Antony), Evan (Camilla), Dana (Kurtis), Aarika (Matt), Julia, and Claire and her eight great-grandchildren, all of whom she was very proud.
Marlene is also survived by her sister Beverly Wolkowich (Moe) of Mississisauga, niece Lesley Ann (Wael), nephews Michael (Anu) and Stephen (Carolyn), and their families. She was pre-deceased by her younger brother Bradley.
Marlene’s father died when she was just eight months old. She was raised in difficult times by steadfast women who instilled in her the quiet strength and determination that defined her life- qualities she carried with grace and passed on to her children. She was a talented seamstress who sewed matching outfits for her daughters for as long as they would allow. We called her the ‘Pie Queen’. Her spaghetti Sundays were much anticipated and she was a baby whisperer extraordinaire.
Marlene and Carl enjoyed the adventures of dad’s RCAF career, and raised their family in North Bay and Borden, Ontario, Lahr, Germany, idyllically at CFB Rockcliffe, Kingston, Ontario, and finally back to Ottawa, where they retired in 1979. During this time Marlene worked in administration, supporting students at Sir Wilfrid Laurier High School, Queen’s University, and later at the National Research Council.
The Hilchies and the Rogers were friends of almost 60 years with whom they enjoyed card games, dinner parties and memorable bus trips. For their retirement, Marlene and Carl divided their time between their cottage at Mosque Lake and their condo in Naples, Florida.
Our mother had an elegance all her own, but she also knew how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures: a cold Corona, a hamburger (“don’t forget the fries”) or an ice cream cone. For her at least, these never went out of style.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to cousin Lisa Shoniker for her companionship and shopping adventures which brought Marlene joy in her final years and to the staff at the Rockcliffe Retirement Residence for their professionalism and compassion. We are also grateful for Viola Garonski of Toronto, mom’s childhood friend with whom she remained in touch all these years as well as Helenda Wrighte of Ottawa, her friend of more than 50 years.
A celebration of Marlene’s life will take place at Beechwood National Memorial Centre (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Visitation begins at 11 am, before the Memorial Service at 1pm. Reception to follow from 2-4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the CNIB would be greatly appreciated.
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