In Loving Memory of Marlene Rosemary Svenningsen

November 21, 1938 – September 20, 2026

Marlene Rosemary Svenningsen (née Johnson), 87, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on September 20, 2026, at Saskatoon City Hospital.

Marlene was born in Saskatoon on November 21, 1938. In 1939, she was lovingly fostered and then adopted by Elmer and Brita Johnson and grew up in Canwood, Saskatchewan.

On September 26, 1970, Marlene married Helmer Svenningsen. Together, they built their life in Harris and Spiritwood, combining their two families and raising four children. They shared 41 years of marriage and many wonderful memories together.

Marlene had a creative and generous spirit. She had a passion for crafting and sewing, and she could turn her imagination into something beautiful. She created countless crafts and sewed figure skating costumes, but perhaps some of her most memorable creations were the fantastic Halloween costumes she made for her children when they were young.

She loved movies, music and reading, especially crime novels, and had a wonderful sense of humour. Marlene was never afraid to laugh at herself.  She was a strong and determined woman who encouraged her children to become independent, pursue education and go out into the world to explore new opportunities.

After leaving school, Marlene began her working life as a nurse’s aide at the sanitarium in Prince Albert. She was truly a Jill of all trades when it came to her working life, taking on a variety of jobs including working as a telephone operator in Harris, a baker, a postal clerk, a dry-cleaning/laundromat attendant, and a cook at Spiritwood Union Hospital. She was also a dedicated volunteer throughout her life. From her early years as a Brown Owl leader with the Girl Guides to her involvement with the Spiritwood Figure Skating Club, Lioness Club and many more, Marlene gave generously of her time and talents. She especially enjoyed leading craft programs for the residents of Spiritwood Lodge, sharing her creativity and companionship with others.

Of all the roles she held in life, being a grandmother was one of Marlene’s greatest joys. Each of her grandchildren holds special memories of time spent with her, and her love will continue to live on through them and through the generations that follow.

Marlene will be lovingly remembered by her children, Donna (Doug) of Lethbridge, Rick of Saskatoon, Diane (Chris) of Saskatoon, and Sandra of Calgary; her grandchildren, Jessica, Tracy, Stephen, Matthew, Jared, Alexandra, Steven, Kelsey and Alicia; and her great-grandchildren, Emma, Sebastian, Lawson, Penelope and Arthur. She is also survived by her brother, Kurt Johnson of Shellbrook and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Elmer and Brita Johnson; her first husband, Richard Lofstrom; her second husband, Helmer Svenningsen; her daughter-in-law, Wanda Loftstrom; her brothers, Roland Johnson and Roy Johnson; her sisters-in-law, Monica, Mary, Frances, Linda Johnson, Margaret Svenningsen, June Zawertailo and her brother-in-law Peter; her nieces, Debbie and Tracy Johnson; her father and mother in-law, Bernhard and Agnes Svenningsen.

Marlene leaves behind much more than memories. She leaves the love she gave, the creativity she shared, the laughter she brought, and the many lives she touched through her family, friendships, and community.

A small memorial will be held during the internment at 11 am, October 19, 2026, at Woodlawn Cemetery in North Battleford.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to perform an act of kindness in Marlene’s name—a simple gesture that reflects the generosity and love she shared throughout her life.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Sandra Biskup Funeral Director, Spiritwood, SK (306) 883-3500.

 

• Date : 2026-09-20
• Location : Saskatoon, SK