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BORN
1955
DIED
2013
FUNERAL HOME
Marlene Lidkea Obituary
May 24, 1955 – December 23, 2013
Dr. Marlene Rose Lidkea, aged 58 years, passed away suddenly on December 23, 2013 in St. Albert.
Marlene leaves to celebrate her life; her husband, Dr. Michael Poitras, her sons Andre Poitras, Evan Poitras, her special granddaughter Grace Bacha, her parents Audrey and Russell Lidkea, her siblings, Harvey, Wade (Joan Garbey), Ross (Marlene), Darlene (Len MacMillan), Wayne (Larisa Aponiuk), numerous nieces and nephews, several aunts and uncles, many friends and colleagues, and her dog Snuggles.
The third of six children, she was born on May 24, 1955, in Melfort, Saskatchewan. She grew up mainly in the Edmonton area.
In the fall of 1980, she met her husband Michael Poitras, and they were married in 1983. They welcomed two sons, Andre and Evan, who were Marlene's pride and joy.
Marlene graduated from the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine in 1979. In 1981 she completed her Family Practice residency at the Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton, after which she started her practice in St. Albert, and she soon developed a passion for delivering babies. In 2009 she opened the Centering Child Birthing Clinic, which provided maternity in a group setting. Through the years she has delivered over two thousand babies.
As a member of the medical staff of the Sturgeon General Hospital for over 30 years, she served on many hospital committees, including the position of President of the Medical Staff. She was an assistant clinical professor in the University of Alberta - Faculty of Medicine. For many years she taught students and Family Practice residents in her office and at the hospital. She was elected to the council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, serving three years.
In 1995 she awarded the YWCA's Woman of Distinction for her outstanding leadership and achievements in health and medicine.
In the provincial centennial year of 2005, she was one of one hundred physicians to receive the Physicians of the Century award, for her work in the treatment of child victims of sexual assault. She developed an exhaustive set of diagnostic criteria, a protocol that has since been adopted by the Alberta Medical Association, as a standard procedure for dealing with children who have been victims of physical and sexual abuse. Additionally, her determination and research led to the establishment of Edmonton's Child and Adolescent Protection Unit and the Child and Adolescent Protection Centre at the Stollery Children's Hospital in 1997.
She was an amazing wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Her passion for adventure took her to Egypt, Jordan, Europe, South America and most of Canada. She was a dedicated swimmer, including completing the Swim Across the Lake in Kelowna over the past three years. Gardening was her refuge from her busy work life, both at home and her parent's acreage. She challenged herself with experiences like rock climbing, kayaking, multiday hikes, snorkeling, and skiing. Always an avid reader, she could be found reading a book most days.
Always keen to host family and social functions, she made sure everyone felt welcome and had a good time. Her happiest times were centered on the large family gatherings at her parents' acreage.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Enjoy Centre (101 Riel Drive, St. Albert, AB) on January 11, 2014 at 7:00 pm.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton at www.sace.ab.ca or C-PAR Canadian Physician for Aid and Relief at www.c-par. ca.
Condolences can be forwarded through www.connelly-mckinley.com.
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
~ST. ALBERT FUNERAL HOME~
9 Muir Drive, St. Albert, Alberta, 780-458-2222
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marlene Lidkea
47 Entries
Amy White
September 20, 2019
Well its been since 2013 I cnt believe ur gone. I wish u could see what has become of me u pulled me from the darkness with a shot of reality Thk u so much everyday I pray u found peace
Amy White
February 8, 2019
5years I cnt believe it youre not forgotten We miss you rip
Sarah jones
January 31, 2014
RIP Dr. Lidkea What a shock, you will be missed
Carolyn VanBoom
January 23, 2014
Thank you for helping guide me and my family through some difficult medical and personal challenges. You will be missed! Strength to your family as they learn to go on without you..
January 23, 2014
The staff at Covenant Health - Youville Home wish to express our deepest sympathies to the family of Dr. Lidkea. May happy memories of her life and accomplishments live on in everyone whose lives she touched.
Holly Bird
January 21, 2014
I am so grateful to have seen her last summer in Kelowna at the Swim Across the Lake, smiling as she was about to jump in the water. Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the wonderful Dr. Lidkea.
CPAR
January 20, 2014
We would like to offer our sincerest condolences to Dr. Michael Poitras, Dr. Lidkea's children and her family.
Rick Dory
January 14, 2014
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Michael, Andre, Evan and your entire extended family. Marlene had my utmost respect for the work she did with,and for, children. The community as a whole has suffered a profound loss.
Courtney
January 13, 2014
I was so shocked to hear the news and still so saddened by it. Dr. Lidkea was a wonderful doctor with far to rare qualities that made her so good at what she did. She listened so well, and took time to make sure I was feeling good about what we would discuss. I miss her so much already.
James Anderson
January 12, 2014
I can't believe she's gone. I've been going to her since the summer of '81. I didn't want another doctor because she was so easy to talk to. Her honesty was disarming. I could talk about anything that needed discussing. World got a little smaller. My condolences to her family and closest friends.
January 12, 2014
Marlene, I will never forget all that you did for me and my family. I am forever grateful that you were my doctor and friend. You will be missed fiercely. Rest in peace my friend...Sandra Burns and family
Susan Jarvie
January 11, 2014
To the Poitras and Lidkea Family's
Thinking of you all with Heartfelt Sympathy. We are so sorry for your loss.
The Lukawenko Family
Mary Schimanke
January 10, 2014
Marlene, I was so very lucky to be able to call you my doctor. You will be missed.
Betty Smith
January 10, 2014
Marlene was one of the most caring persons I have ever known. She always had time to listen and offer guidance. She has been our family doctor for over 30 years and we will miss her deeply. May your love of life bring comfort to your family during this difficult time.
January 9, 2014
I have known Dr. Lidkea as a mother (from teaching her boys at the Tree House play school) and as a doctor. She has been my daughter's doctor for many years and delivered both her children. We found her most caring and will really miss her. We are thinking of you all at this very sad time. Liz Knowlton
Dominique Simard
January 9, 2014
All I have to say is what a beautiful, wonderful woman. I will truly miss her, and I can't even begin to believe how comforting a doctor. Always in my heart, Dr. Lidkea.
Cathy Kirby
January 9, 2014
Dr. Poitras, Andres and Evan; thinking of you during this difficult time; so incredibly sad.
January 9, 2014
Marlene, may your soul always bless our presence and shine down on your loved ones. I'll never forgot you laughing at my face when I was in labour with my first son, while you sat 8 months pregnant in between my contractions. You helped me laugh through the natural birth of both my precious sonsI loved how we would share stories about our boys which continued when they happened to be on the same hockey team. Thank you for always being there for me (and my sons) as a doctor, counsellor and friend. Your guidance has truly been an inspiration! Thanks also for supporting my efforts while in Haiti and providing medical supplies to those in need. My heart goes out to your family at such a difficult time. May you help them be strong! Peggy Rivera and sons (Jarrett and Braden Skousbol)
Alanna & Rob Hnatiw
January 9, 2014
Shocked and saddened at such a loss. Dr. Lidkea took great care of us for 14 years. Our hearts go out to her family.
Keith & Barbara McKay
January 9, 2014
Our hearts and prayers go out to the family at this sad time. Marlene will be missed.
Andrea Morrison
January 8, 2014
What an amazing woman! She accomplished so much and made such a difference in so many people's lives.
Dr. Lidkea was an outstanding person. She delivered all three of my children and made each experience so memorable with her sense of humor, patience, and genuine smile. You will be missed!
January 8, 2014
Dr Poitras
My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
victoria and hollie tomashewsky
January 7, 2014
You are an amazing woman my condolences go out to your family you are a truly special woman I havent been so sad scared and anxious that someone else will have to takeover looking after me and my baby you always reassured me when I was always going crazy about silly things I cant explain how much we have grown to love you and I am one lucky girl to have had the time I did with you thank you for taking care of me and my hollie all pray for you every night please watch down on us and keep us safe the way you always have my prayers go out to your beautiful family im sure every single member is as amazing and kind hearted as you xox we love you always and forever
victoria & Carol Tomashewsky
January 7, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
January 7, 2014
An amazing and compassionate person and doctor. She was our family doctor for many years and delivered my youngest child. She always had a smile and warmest greetings when she saw you even after many years. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the whole family who must be amazing as well to have been blessed with being so close to her.
Bev Pederson and Hampton children
Corinne Harris
January 7, 2014
Dr. Lidkea, you were an amazing women. You taught me so much , you saw me grow from a 16 yr old scared girl into a women. You were there through both my pregnancies, my depression, and many other things. My children and I will miss you dearly. My prayers and thoughts are with your family and friends. Rest in peace Dr. Lidkea, thank you for everything.
Janine Hurtubise
January 6, 2014
Condolences to Dr Lidkea's family...her compassion and amazing patient care will be missed by many.
Lynn Lau
January 6, 2014
Condolences to Dr. Lidkea's family and friends. I was fortunate enough to have her deliver both of my babies and I was touched by her dedication and attentive care. I remember her cheerfully striding into my hospital room the day after my second delivery, wearing another fabulous pair of heels to check on me and my newborn. She was full of energy, despite having been up delivering me, and seeing patients at her clinic all day. I don't know how she managed, but I'm so glad that I had a chance to meet her.
Mike /Michelle Jean
January 6, 2014
DR Lidkea was an amazing friend and Dr. of my family for 26 years. She delivered my youngest daughter, diagnosed my oldest daughter Aimee with diabetes when she was 4 years of age , who has since passed with, complications from the disease,she would be 28 now ,she was a great Dr to our whole family, she also delivered our first granddaughter,child of our youngest daughter Jenny. We will miss her very much, we always new she would do her very best to treat us and to just give some caring advice, we pray for her and her family always and God bless you all.Our condolences the JEAN FAMILY
Mimi Simard
January 6, 2014
We are very saddened that the medical community and her surrounding family and friends have lost such a compassionate woman. Thank you Dr. Lidkea for helping us throughout our visits to you. We didn't see you often but you sure had a positive impact on us. You will be missed.
Gail Lidkea
January 6, 2014
Dear Marlene,
Although your time on earth was far too brief, you have been an absolute inspiration with all that you accomplished. We are so saddened; the world has lost not only a leader among women, but also a vibrant spirit who always sought to cherish and nurture her family.
With Sincere sympathy to Michael, Andre, Evan and the Lidkea family.
Cheryl Pollard
January 6, 2014
Dr. Lidkea was an amazing woman and collegue. She was also my family's physician and delivered my first child. She had a truly amazing gift of talent and compassion as well as a wonderful sense of humour. I will miss her dearly and would like to pass along my condolences to her family.
Lily
January 6, 2014
Dr. Lidkea was a wonderful doctor and a woman of great passion for life. I was blessed to have her deliver my daughter and be our doctor for years after. May the Lord be with the family and bring comfort during this time of loss.
Megan Gauthier
January 5, 2014
Dr. Lidkea was a beautiful, wonderful, caring doctor. She was mine for as far back as I have memories. I always felt she took her work seriously, but never judged, even if we didn't necessarily see eye to eye. She always, always gave the best care possible and I feel so blessed to have had her as my doctor. She has helped carry me through some rough times and, regardless of it being a good news or bad news visit, she somehow managed to make me laugh and feel good once I left - every time. I will miss her tremendously. My condolences and love to her family, friends, patients, and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Dorothy Wentworth
January 4, 2014
Dr. Lidkea was a fine Doctor and a great support to our family over the years we lived in St. Albert. She will be greatly missed.
heather burnash
January 4, 2014
What an amazing leader, full of compassion and stood by me for over 20 hrs of labour in 2008, she was my strength, she encouraged me to follow my wishes of natural child birth, she inspired me through every step, I love you marlene, you taught me so much in 9 months and in the 20 hrs you stood by me. Thank you To your parents for raising such a strong woman a caring and devoted person. You have left a mark in our household on Strength, courage and commitment.
January 4, 2014
What an amazing woman and Doctor. Her dedication to helping women deliver naturally was a gift. She was my doctor and was always very attentive, taking time to listen and support while always injecting a little laugh. She was a great doctor and I am grateful to have been cared for by her. Condolences to her family and friends, she will indeed be missed.
CAndice Bugnet, Sherwood Park.
Carolyn Benedik
January 4, 2014
What a tremendous loss to her family, her patients and her community. I will sorely miss my doctor of almost 35 years. I have been driving from south Edmonton to St. Albert for many years now because she was such a caring and fantastic doctor. Heartfelt condolences to her husband, children and family. RIP doc.
Cecile Bulva
January 4, 2014
My deepest condolences to the family of this very dynamic and progressive lady and physician. Marlene did not settle for "as it is" but applied her great ideas and took action to make positive change and a difference in many areas! So sad to lose her before her full capacity had been met! May her family find solace and peace in the many beautiful memories of her! May her soul rest in peace!
Margaret Cournoyer
January 4, 2014
Marlene was my doctor for over 30 years. She delivered all 3 of my daughters. She became a friend , someone I could count on. Someone I could laugh and cry with. I will miss her and her great sense of humor.
January 4, 2014
What a shock to open the Gazette this morning and see that Dr. Litkea had passed away. She was our mothers Doctor and although known for delivering babies Dr. Lidkea was wonderful to our Mother who is in her eighties. We want to send our heartfelt sympathy to Dr Lidkea's family.
Jacquie Hansen
January 4, 2014
Our kids were friends and played hockey together. Marlene you'll be missed. A great loss to St. Albert and beyond. Our sympathy to Michael, Andre & Evan.
Tammy Morin
January 4, 2014
My family was one of Dr. Lidkea's first patients. Over the years she was not only our doctor but became a friend. You will truly be missed Marlene. God bless and rest in peace
Jolanda Panich
January 4, 2014
Marlene was my Dr since 1986 and delivered 2 of my children. Although we've all changed over the years l still picture her starting out with her beautiful smile and waist long hair. It is with great sorrow and regret that l learn of her passing.
Derek Corse
January 3, 2014
My heart is broken. She was a beautiful person, inside and out.
Gidget D.
January 3, 2014
I worked down the hall from her and she always had a hello & a smile whenever we crossed paths in the building. Rest in peace Dr. Lidkea.
francine chorkwa
January 2, 2014
I had the joy of working for her at the clinic for just over a year. She was a wonderful lady, boss, and friend ..I will miss her dearly ..xo
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Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home - St. Albert Chapel9 Muir Drive, Saint Albert, AB T8N 1G1