Marlene Lawby (Kuryluk), born in Yorkton Saskatchewan on July 24, 1933, to parents Thomas and Katherine Kuryluk, passed away on November 28, 2024, at age 91. Marlene is survived by son Bruce Lawby, daughter Sheila (Mark) Wilson, and daughter Carolyn (Fred) Atkins who will miss her enormously. Marlene was very connected to her grandchildren Galen, Maddison, and Austin who, in earlier years, were babysat by their Baba and were spoiled by never-ending supplies of homemade cookies, pies, cinnamon buns and everything else a child could ever want. Marlene is also survived by her brother Merve (Dorothy) Kuryluk and cousin Faithe (Rodger) Prodanuk, who was like a sister to Marlene. Marlene was predeceased by brother Leslie Kuryluk and sisters Betty (Merve) Hilworth and Chris (Bill) Winnitowy. The Kuryluk extended family continues to be close-knit with the Yorkton farm serving as the base for years of lively celebrations and family gatherings.
Marlene graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Degree in Home Economics in 1956 and spent the best years of her life as the Director of Dietetics of the Saskatoon City Hospital where she cultivated lasting and deep relationships with her treasured colleagues. Marlene was tenacious in her ability to overcome whatever curve balls life threw at her. As a single parent in the 1960s, when divorce was an anomaly, Marlene raised three children while carrying the responsibilities of a senior manager and carving out time for an active life of service and time for so many friendships.
The Saskatoon family home was a hub of activity. Friends of Bruce, Sheila, and Carolyn were always welcome and likely remember the famous chocolate chip cookies that filled a seemingly bottomless gallon pickle jar. Whenever Marlene's friends stopped by, they were always greeted with beautiful food and refreshing drinks, setting the perfect tone for the laughter that inevitably followed. She was a phenomenal host and cook, always a ton of fun, and known for her sharp wit.
In 1999, Marlene relocated to Chilliwack, BC to be near Carolyn and family, where she lived for the remainder of her life. Marlene enjoyed the view of the mountains out her window and, until recently, delighted in daytrips to the local countryside. With a love of hockey rooted in her brother Merve’s amateur and professional careers, Marlene became a fervent Vancouver Canucks fan. Marlene absolutely loved the sun and despite years of suntanning had enviable smooth and beautiful skin until the day she died.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life to be held in Saskatoon in the spring of 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society, or the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation.
