It is with profound love and sadness that we remember the life of Marlene Kay Matkin, who passed peacefully on January 11, 2026, at the age of 69.
Left to cherish and honour her memory are her daughter, Chelsey Danek (Matteotti); her beloved grandchildren, Kai and Mira Danek; her dear siblings; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing her. She now joins her daughter, Sara Michelle Matteotti, whom she missed every day; along with many family members and friends she carried close to her heart.
Marlene was born on October 23, 1956, in Lethbridge, Alberta. A prairie girl at heart, she carried the warmth, openness, and generous spirit of southern Alberta wherever life took her. From the prairies she made her way to the west coast, where her striking beauty and adventurous spirit led her into the world of fashion modeling. She crossed the ocean to model in Europe for a time before the quiet pull of home called her back to Canada.
She ultimately settled in Kelowna, where she raised her daughters, Sara and Chelsey, and built a home filled with love, creativity, laughter, music, and care. She dedicated more than twenty years to the RCMP, bringing to her work the same intelligence, dependability, efficiency, and meticulous attention to detail that shaped every aspect of her life. Marlene inspired countless people through her integrity, compassion, and strength of character, leaving a lasting mark on her community and on all who knew her.
Marlene was a devoted and deeply proud mother and grandmother. She poured herself wholeheartedly into her family with intention, passion, and remarkable spirit. She adored her grandchildren, Kai and Mira; the love she carried for them was deep, joyful, and constant. She was the centre of gravity for her family: the one who hosted holiday dinners, gathered people together, and made everyone feel welcome. Her home was filled with good music, delicious food, lively conversation, and the unmistakable sense that you belonged there. Whether sharing a meal, singing around the piano, dancing in the kitchen, or simply listening to music together, Marlene had a gift for making people feel that they were exactly where they were meant to be.
She had an artist’s hands and a creator’s spirit. There was always something in progress: sewing, painting, drawing, knitting, or crafting something thoughtful and beautiful for someone she loved. She moved through the world creatively, with a sharp eye for beauty and a deep instinct for bringing joy to others. Her kitchen was no exception. It was its own kind of studio, and her famous hot pepper jelly and “Gramma’s peaches” will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed.
Marlene found wonder in the natural world. She took photos of the moon, collected heart-shaped rocks, grew the most beautiful flowers, and appreciated nature and all living things with quiet reverence. She loved books, poetry, tai chi, theatre, concerts, travel, photography, and good conversations. She was intelligent, funny, graceful, and effortlessly beautiful, but more than that, Marlene inspired people to live fully, to be kind, and to remain true to themselves.
Life is immeasurably less bright without her. We miss her beyond words and will carry her memory with us every day for the rest of our lives.
A Celebration of Life for Marlene will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm, at the Okanagan Mission Community Hall on Lakeshore Road in Kelowna, BC. All who knew Marlene are welcome to attend.
