Marlene Gourley

1952 - 2015

Our family is sad to announce the death of Marlene Gourley (nee Floyd) on Wednesday, January 22, 2015 in hospital with family at her side. Marlene was born in Englehart, Ontario on November 30, 1952 and grew up in Kirkland Lake. Marlene was a very loving mother and kept in close touch with her daughters who took every chance to visit their mom. Marlene was a great daughter and sister who always provided a smile, encouragement and interest in all family activities. She was a very positive person with a great sense of humour and remained optimistic in spite of numerous health problems. She encouraged caring in those around her and was always ready to tell people openly how much she loved them and how much they meant to her. She loved music (especially the Beatles), was a long time fan of “The Young and the Restless” and kept hoping to win the big one with her scratch tickets. Marlene is survived by her daughters Jennifer Gourley (Vancouver) and Jessica Bolce (Montreal), mother Annie Heikkila, sisters Betty Floyd, and Linda (Bill) Pisco, brothers Keith Floyd, Richard Floyd, George (Aila) Floyd (Thunder Bay), Wayne (Sue) Floyd (Delta) and many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her son Jeffrey Gourley. A family celebration of her life, led by Jim Hyder, was held on Saturday, January 24th. Thank you to the staff at Hagi Supportive Housing, St. Joseph's Care Group, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Dr. Steve Klassen who provided care and support to Marlene through the years. Generous to the end, Marlene requested that her organs be donated and if possible be used for transplant or research and that cremation follow. If desired, donations in Marlene's name can be made to the Canadian Lung Association or to the Trillium Gift of Life Network.