Marlene Edna Judson (nee Gilchrist)

December 15, 1956 – January 15, 2025

A very special thank you to Dr. Sue Konynenbelt, whose unwavering care and attention made all the difference in Marlene’s journey. Your dedication, compassion, and kindness went above and beyond, and Marlene loved you deeply. You are one in a million, and our family will forever feel gratitude for the way you walked this journey with her, bringing dignity and grace to her final chapter.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible healthcare teams who supported Marlene throughout her journey.

From the Red Deer Hospital (Brain and Stroke Unit, Palliative Care Unit, and ER) to the Tom Baker Cancer Center, including the skilled doctors and the surgeon who performed her brain surgery, you gave her hope and healing when she needed it most.

A heartfelt thank you to the team at the Red Deer Hospice, where Marlene lived for almost a year, and later to Taylor View Towers. You all helped her extend her quality of life, ensuring that she felt seen, loved, and supported every step of the way. You kept her room clean, took her to programs, bathed her with care, and prepared her meals with love. In addition to the physical care, you provided emotional and spiritual support, bringing laughter and light into her days. For Marlene, who loved making connections, you were truly important to her.

Marlene is survived by her devoted husband, Randy; her children, Ang (Daryl) and Ryan (Amy); her grandchildren; Jenna (Nolan), Aliya and Kwynn and countless friends, extended family, and adopted “kids” and “grandkids” who were blessed to know her love.

Marlene was born in Bienfait, Saskatchewan, on December 15, 1956, and was a force of life, laughter, and endless love right from the start. She was the glue that brought and held groups of people together. Her life journey from a lively and nurturing little girl to a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend was filled with adventure, sass, and an unwavering love for the people around her.

Her childhood saw her large family move from Saskatchewan to the Red Deer area, where her spirited nature shone early.

Never one to be told what to do, Marlene moved in with her boyfriend and future husband, Randy’s family, at just 17. Though they were told it wouldn’t last, Marlene and Randy proved them wrong, sharing nearly 50 years of marriage and 53 years together, building a life full of love, laughter, and loyalty.

They built their first home together in Penhold, where Marlene raised their children, Ang and Ryan, with a heart full of care, joy and a healthy dose of rebellion.

Hard work was a part of her story, from running a successful courier business that had her driving long hours to gas plants near Rocky Mountain House and Rimbey, all while filling the car with classic oldies and her kids in tow. Those long days on the road were balanced with unforgettable family vacations—especially camping adventures across Alberta and the U.S. in their holiday trailer, where memories were made around campfires, under starry skies, and filled with laughter and stories we cherish.

To know Marlene was to be loved by her. Her true essence was that of a nurturer. She was the heartbeat of every room, the social butterfly who made friends in checkout lines, at work, and even in hospital rooms during her courageous journey with Glioblastoma. Whether working at Michener Center, Taco Time, Costco, or just chatting in a grocery store, Marlene connected deeply with everyone she came in contact with.

She could turn a brief conversation into a memory, remembering names, faces, and stories long after they’d met.

Even during her most challenging times, she found ways to bring joy. Post brain surgery, she had hospital staff telling jokes at her door before entering, a sign proudly displayed to keep the mood light for her and her roommate. Her focus was always on lifting others—worrying more about the people she loved than herself, right until the very end.

Marlene wasn’t just a mom to Ang and Ryan—she was a nurturing force to everyone. She was the neighborhood mom, the one who welcomed her children’s friends as her own and made her kids spouses feel like they’d always been part of the family. If you were lucky enough to attend one of her gatherings, you might’ve been “accidentally” served a super strong drink, because Marlene knew how to make a get-together memorable.

She was the perfect balance of wild fun and warm tenderness. From dancing on tables as the life of the party to baking cookies with her grandchildren, she did everything with an infectious sparkle in her bright blue eyes.

Her laugh—a signature snort that turned into a wheeze—was as unforgettable as the stories she’d tell, often with elaborate twists, turns, and tangents that always, somehow, made their way back to the point. If you stuck around long enough, you’d get the full story—plus a few extras.

Marlene was also deeply creative. She had that gift for storytelling but also drawing, poetry, and painting. From doodling for her kids when they were young to crafting stunning watercolor paintings in adulthood, her artistic spirit shone in everything she did. Music was part of her soul too, whether she was playing the violin as a young girl or bopping along while Randy played guitar. Music was a part of her essence and she was singing right up until the end.

She was an extrovert in a family of introverts, never one for awkward silence. Once, in a rare quiet moment, she burst out, “It’s too quiet! We’ve got to say SOMETHING!”

Her need for connection was so beautifully contagious that her grandson inherited her love for chatter, giving her someone to finally keep up with her energy.

Marlene was, above all, a lover of life and a giver of joy. She left this world just as she lived in it—surrounded by love, laughter, and the stories she helped create.

Marlene never liked goodbyes. She’d always end phone calls with “Bye for now,” because to her, nothing was ever truly final.

And so, sweet Marlene (mom) —bye for now. We will carry your light, your laughter, and your love with us, always.

A celebration of Marlene’s essence will be held Saturday, March 22nd 1-5pm at Holiday Inn on Gasoline Alley East (33 Petrolia Drive, Gasoline Alley).

In honour of her love of animals and in lieu of flowers that will wither away, you are welcome to donate in her name to the Central Alberta Humane Society where they adopted their beloved corgi from.

• Date : 2025-01-15
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home