Obituary for Marlene June Pitkanen (Peterson)
Marlene June Pitkanen
June 25, 1933 – February 27, 2020
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Marlene at Rainycrest with family by her side on February 27, 2020.
Marlene was born on June 25, 1933 to Ray and Helen Peterson in Port Arthur, Ontario. She met the love of her life, Reino (Ray) Pitkanen at the age of 15 and at the age of 19 they were united in marriage on August 30, 1952. Together they raised 6 children.
In 1957 Ray and Marlene moved to Schreiber, Ontario and in 1971 they moved to Fort Frances where Ray continued his career at Hydro and along with Marlene raised their family. They remained in Fort Frances until after Ray’s retirement, then they returned to their childhood township of Gorham, Ontario on the outskirts of Thunder Bay. In 2006 Ray and Marlene returned to Fort Frances.
As a young lady, Marlene worked for her uncle at his convenience store in Thunder Bay and later at a pottery store in Fort Frances.
Throughout the years Marlene had many interests such as getting together with friends in the early years to do ceramics, bowling on a team with her sisters, bingo with family and friends, and making beautiful quilts just to name a few. She enjoyed traveling with a special love for Vegas and all its wonders. She often accompanied Ray on his many prospecting adventures. She considered this their special time together.
The majority of Marlene’s life was committed to raising her family. She considered this her greatest achievement. As the family grew her love grew with it, an absolute endless supply. She was a great wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her sense of humor was always at the ready and her kindness was never faltering.
Marlene was predeceased by her parents, Ray and Helen: her husband of 56 years, Ray; sister Irene and brother-in-law Art Wickstrom.
Marlene will be greatly missed by her daughter Linda, grandchildren John and Mindy; daughter Wendy (Clint) grandchildren Thomas and Amanda; son Reino (Linda) grandchildren Ron and Suzanne; son Glenn (Sharon) grandson Jonathon; son Tom (Bobbi) grandsons Kole, Tyson and Eric; son Dave (Lisa); sisters Shirley Wickstrom, Diane (Ken) Warpula; brother Roy (Helmi) Peterson: 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
At Marlene’s request, cremation has taken place and a private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Rainycrest Home for the Aged Activation Fund or Rainycrest Ladies Auxiliary, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, ON P9A 3T2.
Online condolences may be left at www.northridgefuneralhome.com.
June 25, 1933 – February 27, 2020
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Marlene at Rainycrest with family by her side on February 27, 2020.
Marlene was born on June 25, 1933 to Ray and Helen Peterson in Port Arthur, Ontario. She met the love of her life, Reino (Ray) Pitkanen at the age of 15 and at the age of 19 they were united in marriage on August 30, 1952. Together they raised 6 children.
In 1957 Ray and Marlene moved to Schreiber, Ontario and in 1971 they moved to Fort Frances where Ray continued his career at Hydro and along with Marlene raised their family. They remained in Fort Frances until after Ray’s retirement, then they returned to their childhood township of Gorham, Ontario on the outskirts of Thunder Bay. In 2006 Ray and Marlene returned to Fort Frances.
As a young lady, Marlene worked for her uncle at his convenience store in Thunder Bay and later at a pottery store in Fort Frances.
Throughout the years Marlene had many interests such as getting together with friends in the early years to do ceramics, bowling on a team with her sisters, bingo with family and friends, and making beautiful quilts just to name a few. She enjoyed traveling with a special love for Vegas and all its wonders. She often accompanied Ray on his many prospecting adventures. She considered this their special time together.
The majority of Marlene’s life was committed to raising her family. She considered this her greatest achievement. As the family grew her love grew with it, an absolute endless supply. She was a great wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her sense of humor was always at the ready and her kindness was never faltering.
Marlene was predeceased by her parents, Ray and Helen: her husband of 56 years, Ray; sister Irene and brother-in-law Art Wickstrom.
Marlene will be greatly missed by her daughter Linda, grandchildren John and Mindy; daughter Wendy (Clint) grandchildren Thomas and Amanda; son Reino (Linda) grandchildren Ron and Suzanne; son Glenn (Sharon) grandson Jonathon; son Tom (Bobbi) grandsons Kole, Tyson and Eric; son Dave (Lisa); sisters Shirley Wickstrom, Diane (Ken) Warpula; brother Roy (Helmi) Peterson: 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
At Marlene’s request, cremation has taken place and a private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Rainycrest Home for the Aged Activation Fund or Rainycrest Ladies Auxiliary, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, ON P9A 3T2.
Online condolences may be left at www.northridgefuneralhome.com.