Marlene Zella Soura

Marlene Soura

1937 – 2019

On August 26, 2019 with family by her side, Marlene Zella Soura of Bowsman peacefully passed away at the age of eighty-two.

She is survived by daughters, Kim of The Pas and Deona (Martin) of Bowsman, sisters Fran Mullin of Swan River and Dona Laidlaw of Grand Prairie, grandchildren Tyler and Amy Horan, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Don and Zella Laidlaw, husband Leland and son Russell.

Marlene was born on July 21, 1937 to Don and Zella (Keith) Laidlaw. She attended Egremont School and Bowsman Union School. While at school, Marlene participated in athletics, the choir and drama clubs. Marlene had many friends during these years especially, Vena Sharpe and Carol Clapper. After she finished with her schooling in Bowsman, she trained to be a hairdresser in Winnipeg.

She returned to Bowsman and married Leland Soura on August 6, 1956. She had three children, Kim in 1957, Deona in 1962 and Russ in 1963. She was a stay-at-home mom spending her time raising her children and hairdressing from home. After they reached a certain age, she started working at the Swan Motel, followed by Woodies Goodies until her retirement.

She was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2000, and although her chances of survival were slim; she decided to fight it and lived far longer than expected. The disease eventually took its toll on her health so that she had to move to The Lodge.

Marlene was an active in her community. She was a member of the UCW and the Rink Board. She volunteered for the hockey, figure skating and the 4H Club.

Marlene was a devoted mother and friend. She spent many hours volunteering for or watching whatever activities her children were involved in. You could always depend on Marlene to give common sense advice to solve life’s problems. She was very witty and kept her humour even when her health was failing.

Marlene was happiest in her garden. She spent hours planning, planting and maintaining it. She would select just the right lilies and other flowers to enhance her yard. She also liked to knit and folk-art paint. She loved a bargain and found it difficult to pass up a garage sale.

A graveside service and interment was held at the Bowsman Cemetery, Bowsman, Manitoba on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, donations can be made in Marlene’s name to either The Bowsman United Church or to CancerCare.

Swan Valley Funeral Services

363 Kelsey Trail, Swan River, Manitoba

204-734-5775  www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com

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