Marla Marie COLE

Marla Marie COLE obituary

Marla Marie COLE

Marla COLE Obituary

Published by Saskatoon StarPhoenix from Sep. 22 to Sep. 25, 2017.

Marla Marie Cole
Passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at the age of 49 with family by her side. She is survived by her husband, Geoff, daughter Carmen, son Miles, father Barry, mother Margaret, brother Carl and wife Becky, brother Charles and partner Alexandra, father-in-law Alan, mother-in-law Gwen, sister-in-law Phyllida, nieces, nephews, and many close friends. Marla was a remarkable woman who exhibited signs of her future brilliance at a young age. Born in 1968, Marla was a joyous addition to the McLennan family. At age 3, Marla began private art classes which led to a fascination with creativity, paper, and, not surprisingly, organization. Marla would sit at the typewriter and produce memos, announcements, and other messages for the McLennan family. While attending Grade 1 at Grosvenor Park School, Marla would hide in the library so she could listen to the Grade 4 students during their violin lesson. Marla began violin lessons shortly after this was discovered! Marla went on to study in the Academically Talented Public-School program and soon began playing in a multitude of orchestras and ensembles while sharing her talents with other young aspiring violinists in her busy music studio. This was followed by a Music degree (with distinction) at the University of Saskatchewan and an 18-month residence at the Banff School of Fine Arts. In 1992 Marla was excited to fulfill her dream of studying at the Royal College of Music, England, where she completed a Postgraduate ARCM Diploma and a Masters degree in Performance: Applied Research. It was during this period where Marla immersed herself in chamber music, focusing on both piano trio and string quartet repertoire. Her teacher Peter Manning, leader of the Britten String Quartet, was an inspiration and extremely demanding. Of course, for those that knew Marla, she thrived in that environment practising many hours a day in addition to chamber rehearsals and other studies. It was during this time when Marla met her soon-to-be husband, Geoff, on a typically cold, wet, and grey October morning in London, England. Marla was looking for directions to an orchestra rehearsal when she noticed a person walking on the opposite side of the street carrying a violin. Geoff looked at Marla and saw the most beautiful woman he had ever set eyes on. Striking in every way, her beauty accented by bright pink lipstick and matching bag! Marla looked at Geoff and saw someone to follow and find the elusive rehearsal. Marla continued her studies in England and took every opportunity to listen and discuss music with great musicians. She formed a new string quartet, Capriccio String Quartet, that was honoured to play for many members of the royal family in addition to numerous other concert engagements in the UK and France. During this period Marla spent summers at the prestigious Britten-Pears School studying chamber music with, William Pleeth, members of the Amadeus Quartet, Peter Frankl, and Hugh Maguire. Marla was inspired and guided by many great musicians over the years but she always had a unique musical voice that was eloquently supported by her convictions and academic prowess. Of course, Marla's ability to light up a room with her personality led to many close friendships. One friend in particular became very close when Geoff and Marla married in 1996 (this was the beginning of 21 beautiful years together!). All family occasions were important to Marla and she enjoyed planning everything to the finest detail. All gifts were carefully considered and sometimes purchased months in advance. One extreme example was realization of a dream for Marla's parents to attend a 3 Tenor's concert. Marla promptly organized this along with the corresponding flights, picnic baskets, and concert tickets. The final gift was, of course, Dad's VISA bill which arrived the following month. The next phase of life began when the beautiful Carmen was born in 2000. This was a significant moment in Marla's life as the birth of Carmen led to a reassessment of London, England, followed shortly by a relocation to Saskatoon in 2001. The charming Miles was born in 2002 and the family was then complete. Marla immersed herself in motherhood, using her energy, passion, and love to raise Carmen and Miles in a creative and supportive environment. The kids grew up watching mom teach and rehearse in the house and it was inevitable that they would soon start their own musical journeys with mom and dad by their side. Other activities ensued and soon Marla became familiar with dance studios, soccer fields, BMX tracks, cello, and flute lessons where Marla met many other inspiring teachers and coaches. While Marla and Geoff were raising Carmen and Miles, Marla continued to pursue her musical dreams – always seeking out new opportunities and leaping over every barrier that stood in her way. She went on to establish, manage, and direct the University of Saskatchewan Amati Quartet, now in its 15th year, and continued to use her boundless energy, determination, and tenacity to develop an exciting concert series. Throughout the years Marla worked with many fine musicians who shared their energy, musicianship, time, and friendship to help build the ensemble. Continually searching for new challenges and opportunities, Marla pursued global opportunities that took the Amati Quartet to Holland in 2005 followed shortly by an invitation to play in Rome and Cremona (the birthplace of the violin and home of the Amati family). The trip to Cremona was undoubtedly one of life's pivotal moments for Marla. In 2008 life took a new, unexpected, and devastating turn after Marla was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. Marla reassessed life. Her powerful spirit, determination, and perseverance enabled her to not let cancer define her but instead to succeed and realized her dreams and ambitions despite a dizzying array of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and side effects. The inspiration Marla gave and received from others enabled her to overcome the toughest medical obstacles. Neuropathy in the left hand did not stop Marla. Instead of touch and feel, Marla relied on vision and muscle memory to play concerts and rehearse. It was during this period when Marla realized her ultimate dream, to make a CD, thanks to the Cameco/Roughriders Touchdown for Dreams program. This was yet another opportunity to not just receive funding but instead receive support, inspiration, and courage thanks to new friends made throughout this unique program. Not surprisingly, Marla found a way to share her dream with others when she donated proceeds from the CD sale back to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) for use to create a music therapy room for other patients in Saskatoon and Regina. Marla continued to push forward despite a growing list of symptoms. She embraced giving back to the community with involvement in many organizations include raising $20,000 for the SCA, donating CD sale money, and joining Busting with Energy – an incredible dragon boat team made up of inspirational women with breast cancer. In 2017 the University of Saskatchewan supported Marla by funding a second CD, this time it was an opportunity for Marla to share her innermost feelings on a CD comprised of evocative slow movements from the string quartet repertoire. Marla wrote, "They make us weep when we listen, and pluck on our heart strings as we recall the passionate moments in our lives. They are the romance that our hearts desire whether intimate and subtle, or wildly passionate and full of mystique." The CD arrived on September 20, 2017, the day that Marla left us. Marla's love, spirit, energy, passion, and inspiration will forever be in our hearts. A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, September 28 at Saskatoon Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (Music Therapy Room Project). Condolences may be sent to [email protected]. Arrangements have been entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME (244-5577).

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Sign Marla COLE's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 16, 2018

Rena DeCoursey posted to the memorial.

October 16, 2017

Chris and Basia Hubbard posted to the memorial.

October 10, 2017

Sharon Hutchison posted to the memorial.

50 Entries

Rena DeCoursey

October 16, 2018

Dear Geoff, Carmen, Miles, Margaret and Barry,
I was so sad to belatedly hear about the tragic loss of Marla. I knew her from elementary school through university days. I enjoyed playing chamber music with her many times in those early years, particularly with our veterinarian friend Michael Powell. It was always a delight to make music together. I will miss Marla's warmth, kindness and enthusiasm.

Sincerest condolences to Marla's beloved family. I hope your memories are a wonderful source of comfort for you.

Chris and Basia Hubbard

October 16, 2017

Dear Geoff and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Marla's passing. She has been such an inspiration in her dedication to life and art, and in loving you guys. Our thoughts are with you.
Chris and Basia

Sharon Hutchison

October 10, 2017

Dear McLennan and Cole family
We sincerely pass on our condolences in the loss of such a special daughter, sister, mom, wife,auntie, friend and musician.
May the many special memories you each have help to ease this pain and bring you comfort.
God Bless,
Sharon, Brent Hutchison and family (Brad, Carrie, Cheree)

Chris Taylor

October 8, 2017

Dear Barry and Margaret,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Dear Marla. My loving condolences to you, Geoff and children. Blessings to all.

Bill and Diane Roesler

September 30, 2017

Barry and Margaret
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your dearest Marla... You are frequently in our thoughts and prayers...
Bill and Diane Roesler

September 28, 2017

We send our most sincere condolences to our friends Barry and Margaret, and their family, at the passing of a truely wonderful daughter, Marla. The world was blessed by her presence.

Bill and Tuula Thomlinson

Karla Kewell

September 28, 2017

My deepest heart felt condolences to the entire Cole family on the loss of Marla. May her spirit and love live on in her music for years to come. Thinking of you Geoff and we are here if you and the kids need anything.

Karla Kewell

September 28, 2017

My deepest most heart felt condolences to the Cole family on the loss of Marla. May her music continue to lift your hearts for years to come.

Jacqueline T. Rabbitskin

September 28, 2017

To Geoff & Family,

My condolences to you all. I will say a prayer and light a candle for you. May God bless and comfort you.

Sincerely,
Jackie T. Rabbitskin

Crystal R

September 28, 2017

Such a beautiful woman taken so young. My condolences to Marla's family and my prayers are with you at this hard time.

Susan Hayton and Grant Stoneham

September 28, 2017

Dear Barry and Margaret,
We are so sorry to hear about Marla's death and we are thinking about you at this very difficult time. Our condolences to you both and to Geoff, Carmen, Miles and all of Marla's loving family.

Gary and Myrtle Naugler

September 27, 2017

Barry and Margaret Our most sincere sympathy goes out to you both at this very difficult time.

Bernadette Wilson

September 27, 2017

Dear Goeff, Carmen, Miles and family.
My most sincere condolences to you all.
It was with deep sadness that I heard of Marla's passing. Her love and dedication to music was matched only to that of her family. Her innovative approach to teaching and performing were always an inspiration to me. Our city has lost a fearless pioneer in the music world. I will always associate Marla and music with a her smile, but her warmest smiles I associate with the love and pride she had for her family.

Neil Thomson

September 27, 2017

Dear Geoff, Carman, Miles and family,

We would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences in your time of grief. You all are in our prayers! The Angelic Symphony has a new and beautiful member!

September 26, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time......Barry and Gerry Buchanan

Daphne Tkachuk

September 26, 2017

Dear Dr.McLellan and family - it is with much sadness that I saw the obituary of your dear daughter. Remember her fondly when she played with Amati at the President's House as part of the 50th anniversary of the College of Medicine in 2003. What a joy and a privilege to have had the opportunity to hear her play. Blessings to you and all of the family.

Heather Mandeville

September 26, 2017

Geoff, Carmen, Miles & family,
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of Marla. I will forever remember Marla with the big smile that she always wore. I know your family will forever grieve her passing but pray the memories you have help carry you forward as she watches over each of you from above.
Sadly, September 20th is the day I lost my dad 19 years ago - and so I will definitely think of you all on this day every year.
Sending our thoughts, Mandeville family

September 26, 2017

Dear Geoff, Carmen and Miles,
We are thinking of you and sending our deepest sympathy. You have lost an incredible wife and mother and we, who were fortunate enough to experience Marla's warmth and enthusiasm have lost an inspiration. She will be missed.
Kindest regards,
Hal and Donna Baldwin Nanaimo, B.C.

Jim MacGowan

September 26, 2017

Geoff my thought are with you. I am very sorry for your families loss. I wish I had a chance to thank her for bringing you to Saskatoon. If there is anything you need I would love to help.

Sue & Tracey Gillingham

September 26, 2017

Marla truly was a inspirational woman to all that met her. She bravely fought every obstacle that was put in her way with the determination and power that we can only dream of. She will be greatly missed.
Geoff, Carmen and Miles, although we are miles apart, you are always in our thoughts and hearts. Sending you love always.

Terry & Sonia Bayda

September 26, 2017

Deepest Sympathies to the McLennan & Cole families.Marla was such a beautiful and gifted individual that touched so many with her kindness & professionalism.Cherish all of precious Memories and family times.Taken way too soon.Heaven has truly gained a beautiful Angel who will be watching over All of you.Rest in Peace Marla!

Donna Steffen

September 25, 2017

Geoff, Carmen, Miles, Margaret & Barry. I just happened to view the Saskatoon published obituaries today and was so very, very saddened to see notice of Marla's passing. It was a wonderful experience to get to know both Marla and Geoff during my short tenure with the symphony orchestra. My sincere sympathy for the loss of a wife, a mother and a daughter.

Evelyn and Guy Tourigny

September 25, 2017

Margaret and Barry
My husband and l extend our sincerest condolences.
Guy and Evelyn Tourigny

Todd Rae

September 25, 2017

Thoughts and prayers during your difficult time Geoff. Strength to you and the kids.

Melanie Scott-kwan

September 25, 2017

Geoff Carmen Myles she was a beautiful person inside and out gifted and her legacy live on in her music and her family much sadness now but her smile is what I she had the most amazing smile
Prayers to you all

Mark Dick

September 25, 2017

Deepest condolences to you and your family Geoff. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Jan Anderson

September 25, 2017

Marla was such an accomplished musician on her own, and yet it was through her involvement with the Saskatoon String Ensemble that I first met her. Marla's trio delighted guests at my daughter's wedding in 2016. We will forever have lovely memories of the musical tapestry that was woven, during our backyard ceremony on a hot summer day in July.
My sincerest condolences to Marla's family and close friends.

Lauri (Putland) Lee

September 25, 2017

I have fond memories of accompanying the Schmidt girls to their Saturday morning lessons on violin & viola (I even remember Mrs. Schmidt reading "If You Give a Pig a Pancake" to Carmen). Marla's zest for life, passion for music and sheer joy permeated the room as she inspired her students to achieve excellence and cared for their well being. Gods comfort and blessings to the Cole family as you journey forward.

Peter Gravlin

September 25, 2017

Geoff and family - please accept my condolences on Marla's passing.

Carol and Alma Schurr

September 25, 2017

Dear Geoff and family
Our hearts were broken when we heard that Marla had passed. May your family all find comfort in knowing that even though we cannot have the ones we love forever, what we will always have, and can never lose, are all the memories of the special times we shared with them. Marla was an amazing woman who showed tremendous courage in the battle she fought. I have such admiration for her. Geoff, may you and Carman and Miles, and the rest of yours and Marlas family, know that she is now resting in the arms of the angels. We are all part of the family of God and will surely be here to help in whatever ways we can to see you through the days and months ahead. Please know that you can call on us anytime.
Love and hugs to all of you. ❤

September 24, 2017

Margaret and Barry,
We were sorry to hear the sad news of Marla's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
John and Laurie Wood
Winnipeg

The Herons

September 24, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with the the McLennan and Cole famlies over the loss of Marla. She was such a beautiful and talented person. Over the many years we watched her become a truly wonderful and outstanding person. She will be missed by many.

September 24, 2017

Such shock to hear of Marla's passing. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time. What a rich life Marla lived and what beautiful gifts she left behind. You are in our hearts and thoughts, Cousin Corylyn and family.

Marion McGregor

September 24, 2017

Deepest condolences to Marla's family - Geoff, Carmen, Miles, Margaret, Barry, Carl, Charles, her nieces, nephew, in-laws and many cousins and friends. This is so tragic to lose such a wonderful, caring and talented person. The "Passion for Hayden" CD a will be lasting tribute to her memory. So sorry her life had to end too soon.

Janet Walters

September 24, 2017

You will be missed...my deepest condolences to Geoff and family.

September 23, 2017

To Marla my Beautiful & Wonderful Friend. I will miss you...our laughs, our cries, our hugs, and most certainly won't forget you and your "Bling"!!
You were a very precious friend and special lady to me and my family.

To Geoff, Carmen, Miles, Margaret, Barry & Carl, my heart aches for you in the loss of this amazing Wife, Mom, Daughter& Sister.
She will be dearly missed and never forgotten. Her soul will be with you and me forever, every time we hear her love of music being played thru the Miracle Dream CD she released with the Amati Quartet "Passion for Haydn".

Our thoughts and Prayers are with All of You in this difficult time.
Love from Gwen, Doug & Josh Lipka

September 23, 2017

My heart ached to hear of Marla's passing. What an amazing, gifted person, what a remarkable life. She was an inspiration, and touched many lives. I feel so blessed and privileged to have known Marla. May you take comfort in knowing an Angel is watching over you. May memories of Marla, the love of God,family and friends surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. God Bless you. RIP my friend, we love you and you will be greatly missed by many.
Phyllis Bell
Busting With Energy Dragon Boat Team

Bettie Paley

September 23, 2017

The legacy of your beautiful Marla will live on through her music and the love she shared with you.

Our heartfelt condolences to dear Geoff and family.

At the launch of "Passion for Haydn", a part of Marla's legacy

Ella Wiernicka

September 23, 2017

Such devastating news...It hurts to know that I will never again be able to embrace this beautiful woman, never again hear this inspired musician play her beloved Amati...Marla, my superwoman may be gone, but her loving spirit will live as long as I do.
To Geoff and the children: please, let me share at least a small portion of your pain. Marla was someone very special to me.

Val Bray

September 22, 2017

TO Barry,Margaret,Carl,Gaeff and families
Sincere condolences to all the family.Words are so inadequate at this time. So sorry for your lose.

Shari McKinny

September 22, 2017

A very long time ago, Marla was my violin teacher. I'd had a few teachers before her, but practicing had always felt like a task and a part of me would dread the weekly lesson. That all changed with Marla, and I still remember my first lesson when I was about 14 or 15. If memory serves, I was one of her first students, squeaking out music in her parents' basement. She took out some sheet music for a concerto and told me I was going to learn it.I was so overwhelmed, because it looked impossible to me. I had no confidence in myself, but she really threw down the challenge and that ended up being how I saw it too. A challenge instead of a task. Her passion for music and violin was contagious and rubbed off on me. I progressed so much with the violin in the years after that, and I can truthfully say it never would have happened without her. Her confidence in me helped me to be more confident in myself, and this has touched all areas of my life. For that I am forever grateful.

My condolences to her family. She will be greatly missed, but maybe fond memories can be found in between the notes.

Lynette Sawatsky

September 22, 2017

Marla was the kind of friend that most people only dream of finding. She will forever be in my heart. Her love for you, Geoff, Carmen, and Miles was fierce, and I know that you will miss her desperately and treasure her memory always. May God wrap His arms around you and give you comfort at this difficult time.

Tammy Sullivan

September 22, 2017

To Geoff and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and praying that happy memories and the presence of loved ones will help you through this difficult time.

Shauna Bear

September 22, 2017

My deepest condolences to Geoff and his family. Your Marla will be forever in your hearts and with you in spirit; a beautiful angel she will be.

September 22, 2017

Soooo sorry to hear. She was always a gentle and kind soul

September 22, 2017

Dear McLennan and Cole families:

Marla was a special person and made everybody happy whoever came in contact with her. Our family had a very high respect for her and was just like a family member. We were very saddened to hear this news. Our heartfelt condolences to both families and we will dearly miss her. We are always here for anything we can do from our side. We will pray that she rest in peace.

Ramji, Vimla and Deepak Khandelwal

September 22, 2017

Our deepest condolences to Barrry, Margaret and Marla Cole's family. May Marla rest in peace with the Lord, where there is no pain, nor sorrow nor sighing. May her memory be eternal.

Jorge Torres

September 22, 2017

My deepest condolences and sympathy to Geoff and his family.

Susan Mak

September 22, 2017

We lost a brave and beautiful dragon boat team mate, such a positive soul. Rest in peace now. So sorry I will not be able to pay my respects on Sept 28.

kristin

September 22, 2017

You are not alone during this time of sorrow and pain. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, the God of peace give you comfort and peace in every way. May you find Strength from the love and care that surrounds you and comfort in the memories that you shared. Please accept my sincere condolences. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

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Sign Marla COLE's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 16, 2018

Rena DeCoursey posted to the memorial.

October 16, 2017

Chris and Basia Hubbard posted to the memorial.

October 10, 2017

Sharon Hutchison posted to the memorial.