August 31, 1936 – September 11, 2026
“Her wings took Flight Before our Hearts were ready”
After celebrating her 90th birthday on August 31, 2026, Marlene Elizabeth Mina Perrier (Pattle) from Thunder Bay began a new journey, leaving behind family and friends who will always remember her love on Friday, September 11, 2026. Marlene was a unique mix of strong determination and unwavering spirit that time could never diminish.
Marlene was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Stewart and Marjorie Pattle and had a big brother named Calvin. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Port Arthur Ontario. It was there that she met Larry Perrier, the love of her life, at Pine Street School when she was just 15 years old. They shared a full life together and remained side by side until his passing at the age of 49.
Marlene finished high school at Port Arthur Collegiate Institute and earned a Commercial Certificate for Administration. She started working soon after as a Secretary at PUC Hydro. Then she got married on July 20th, 1957 and left work to raise their family. When her kids grew older, she returned to work as a Guidance Secretary at Hillcrest High School where she made many dear friends that lasted throughout her life. In the later years of her career, she transferred to Sir John A Macdonald Public Elementary School for a more relaxed pace where she enjoyed being around children’s smiling faces. She retired in 1998 to travel the world and spend precious time with her grandchildren.
Mom proudly attended all of her grandchildren’s activities over the years including hockey tournaments, baseball games, soccer games, gymnastics competitions, musical performances, piano and guitar recitals, school awards and graduations. She felt blessed to be present for all six grandchildren’s convocations at Lakehead University because she believed strongly in continuing education. Mom hosted many family gatherings at home and the family camp at Trout Lake.
While family meant everything to her, attending Trinity United Church gave her spiritual energy. There she formed lifelong friendships and created a strong sense of community. She dedicated herself through service to others by chairing the Christian Education Committee and helping with fundraising events like those for Nearly New Boutique during Antique Fairs or Christmas Teas or Rummage Sales held at Trinity Church. She took great pride in sorting through donations of clothing and jewelry so that these events would be successful.
Friendships were very important to Marlene – special thanks go out to her closest friends: Sinikka for being her Magnus Theater buddy; Betty for making sure Mom kept up with her regular Thursday hair appointments; Josie for weekly dinners out followed by ice cream treats while enjoying quiet moments by Boulevard Lake; Linda for afternoon coffee chats where they admired each other’s creativity; Noel for being both a lifelong friend and travel companion; the Royal Ladies whose monthly meetups Mom always looked forward to; along with Priscilla and Elaine who helped ensure Mom got to Sunday Service on time.
Like an ancient oak tree firmly rooted in place despite life’s storms yet remaining steadfastly strong-Marlene stood tall for us all those years. Her strength provided shelter above us all while keeping us grounded beneath our feet. With pride and deep devotion toward everyone loved within our family history carried within her heart fiercely guarded by hers alone-today feels quieter without her powerful presence but we are forever shaped by who she was.
Marlene’s legacy is celebrated by Lori & Paul Desimone; David & Diana Perrier; plus six wonderful grandchildren: Michael; Stefanie (Ryan); Christopher (Rheanne) Perrier; Brett (Braiden); Lyndsay (Ryan); Jacqueline (Lucas) Desimone; sister-in-law Maxine Pattle (Bruce); nieces Kimberly (Bruce) Bateman along with Kevin (Lori) Pattle as well as Kristina Jacques including their families too!
Marlene has been predeceased by loved ones including husband Larry (Lawrence) Perrier along with parents Marjorie Pattle & Stewart Pattle plus brother Calvin Pattle plus mother-in-law Aili Perrier.
The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude towards Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre Emergency Department team members providing excellent care during our Mother’s final hours here among us on Earth!
A guiding star within our clan serving as matriarch bestowed wisdom shaping who we’ve become today-her unconditional love remains an anchor steering us forward while illuminating paths ahead ever brighter!
The celebration honoring Marlene’s remarkable life will take place Friday morning September eighteen two thousand twenty-six beginning promptly eleven o’clock AM occurring inside Trinity United Church located thirty Algoma Street South presided over Reverend Randy Boyd officiating proceedings followed immediately thereafter visitation hour preceding services commencing one hour prior too! Luncheon reception follows afterwards located inside Sargent Family Reception Centre twenty-one North Court Street nearby venue location directly afterward concluding gathering togetherness nicely moving forward gracefully!
If friends feel inclined donations made towards either Trinity United Church Memorial Fund Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre – Heart & Stroke or Cancer Centre would be greatly appreciated! Online condolences may also be expressed via www. sargentandson. com.
