Obituary of Marlene Ann Nowak

To view the recording of the service, please CLICK HERE
 

Surrounded by her family and her loving caregivers at Nithview LTC, Marlene Ann Nowak (née Forwell) passed away peacefully on Sunday October 15, 2023 in her 91^st year. She died on what was her father Otto Forwell’s birthday.

Marlene was born on Easter Sunday April 16, 1933 to Edna (nee Ernst) and Otto Forwell in Kitchener, Ontario. She married Stanley Nowak (d.2006) on May 12,1956 and was blessed by two daughters, Diane (Ed Cleare) and Marie Ann (Glen Piller). Marlene was the beloved “Gran’ to her granddaughters, Beth Piller, Megan Piller (Greg Krikorian) and Emily Cleare.

Marlene is survived by her younger sister Madonna(‘Donna’) Schultz. Also surviving are many sisters and brothers-in-law: Irene Ferguson, Laura Donald, Janet Healy, Mary(Mania) Nowak, Wally and Pat Nowak, Anne (‘Andzia’) Campbell and Barbara Paul and many, many nieces and nephews.

Marlene was predeceased by her spouse, Stanley (d. 2006) and parents, Edna ( d. 1982) and Otto Forwell (d. 1978). Also, she was predeceased by several sisters and brothers-in-law - Casimir and Mae Nowak, Jack Donald, Clara Nowak, John (‘Jas) and Kathy Nowak, Josephine (Jozia) and Gaeten Cote, John Campbell, John Healy and Anthony (Tony) Schultz.

Marlene was proud of her clerical work career with “The Income Tax’ and Twin City Credit Union (now YNCU). In retirement, she was a crossing guard for Harold Wagner Public School in Waterloo.

Marlene was a life-time member of the Catholic Women’s League.

Marlene is fondly remembered for her kindness, generosity, acceptance and sense of humour. Her famous coleslaw, cabbage rolls and “Ted TV Rolls” were enjoyed by all at the many family events.

Marlene’s family will be celebrating her life at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo with a visitation on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Parish Prayers will be offered at 7:45 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Louis RC Church, 53 Allen St. E., Waterloo on Friday October 20, 2023 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Phil Reilly, C.R. officiating.  A reception will follow in the parish hall where eulogies will be shared and a light social. A private family graveside service will follow at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo. A livestream link and recording of the funeral mass will be found on the Marlene’s obituary page at www.erbgood.com

Condolences for the family and donations in memory of Marlene may be made to the Alzheimer Society, Nithview LTC  – TriCounty Mennonite Homes or The Canadian National Institute for the Blind by contacting the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com

Marlene’s family wishes to thank the Staff at Nithview LTC and Chartwell Terrace on the Square for all the wonderful care and support given to Mom. Mom was well-loved. We would also like to thank Mom’s health support over the years: Dr. Dai (Nithview LTC), Dr. Chettimada (GP), and Drs. Weinstein and Waind (ophthalmologists).