Marlene Pilchak

February 9, 1943 - October 27, 2020

Marlene Pilchak (born Maria Marlena Carmela Clerinda Officia), 77, passed away at her home in Richmond, BC. She is survived by her children: son, Les Jr. (Jennifer) of Surrey, BC, and daughter Angela Smith (Trevor) of Delta, BC. She was "Proud Nana" to her grandchildren, Jordan (Brittney) and Justin (Katie) Smith; and Melody and Susanna Pilchak. She is survived by her sisters, Carollyne and Louisa; and sister-in-law, Diane; numerous nieces and nephews across Canada; and her life-long friend, Judy Johnson of Kelowna. She will be very missed by her feline companion, Princess. Marlene was predeceased by her husband, Les (2015); brothers, Sig and Ed; and sister, Sue. Marlene was born on February 9, 1943, in Lachine, Quebec, and moved to Vancouver with her family in 1952. She attended Kitsilano Secondary and it was during high school she began dating a handsome immigrant she had spotted in the neighbourhood, Les Pilchak, who she married in 1963. After high school, Marlene attended Duffus Business College in Vancouver where she earned her Secretarial Certificate and was employed by BC MSI as Secretary to the Executive Director of Group Planning before leaving to have Les Jr. in 1967. Daughter Angela was welcomed in 1969, and Marlene was a devoted mother to them. Marlene was incredibly talented with all she did. She was an amazing cook and her baking, pickles, jams, and antipasto will be missed by the many appreciative recipients. Family celebrations will not be the same without her meatballs and sauce. Her sewing expertise made her a valued costume designer for ballet performances over the years, and her knitted sweaters and blankets will be cherished. She was an artist, a gardener, and an animal lover. She was endlessly creative with the many crafts she turned her hand to armed with a glue gun or a can of spray paint. She could be counted on to volunteer her time whether it be as a Brownie leader, census taker, election scrutineer, or field trip chaperone. Marlene's greatest joys in her later years were her cat and her grandchildren. She was endlessly proud of each of her grandchildren's accomplishments and their biggest fan. They will miss her unconditional love and support. She will also be missed by her many wonderful friends. With her friends, she enjoyed lunches and shopping, dim sum, trips to the Okanagan to buy apples, and marathon phone calls. She was a warm and engaging person with everyone she met, whether it be through her grandchildren's activities, her neighbourhood, her hair salon, or every business she frequented. She wasn't just an acquaintance or client; she was a friend. At Marlene's request, and due to the pandemic, there will be no service. The family appreciates the kind words of sympathy and support received during this sad time. In lieu of flowers, if desired, a donation may be made in her memory to RAPS (Regional Animal Protection Society) or a charity of your choice. Send on-line condolences to www.legacy.com.