Obituary of Marlene Helen Neufeld

NEUFELD: Marlene Helen Neufeld (nee Dale) of Brandon, Manitoba, passed peacefully at the Fairview Personal Care Home, Brandon, on September 18, 2018 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was 82 years old. Marlene was born in Hamiota, Manitoba on July 2, 1936 in a record-setting heatwave. She was the 6th of the seven children of Jane (nee Sheridan) and Norman Dale. Upon graduating from high school in Hamiota, she pursued a career as a teacher and taught in Elgin, Brandon and Winnipeg. In 1974, a then-single mother of three, she chose to return to university where she obtained a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in education. She applied her passion and expertise to assisting children with learning disabilities and made valuable contributions to her field. In 1982, Marlene married Leonard Neufeld and they lived for several years in Killarney, Manitoba. Marlene and Len later moved to Brandon and continued to work in the school districts of Southwest Manitoba until their retirements. Marlene's caring and thoughtful approach to the learning process resulted in her being a much-loved teacher and colleague. She cared deeply about her students, her co-workers and their families. She was also a gracious and kind-hearted friend, citizen, and neighbour. She gave generously to her community in many ways, particularly through her helpfulness to elderly friends and neighbours, regular volunteer work with the Helping Hands Center and Canadian Blood Services clinic, and she loved to knit and donate her handmade afghans to those who could use a cozy blanket. She continued to give much to her community until Alzheimer's Disease impaired her ability to do so. Marlene is survived by her husband, Len Neufeld and his family, her children, Scott Pangman, Sherry Dale and Heather Dale, and her loving grandchildren: Owen and Isla Pangman; Tavian and Carson Franz; and Sophia, Ivan and Dmitri Fischer. Of Marlene's six siblings, she is survived by two of her older brothers Bob Dale and Les Dale. Marlene is remembered fondly as a gentle and generous soul. She is sadly missed by her family and friends. A celebration of Marlene's life will be held on October 13, 2018 at Trinity United Church at 1515-6th St., Brandon, Manitoba at 2:00 p.m. All are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba. Special thanks to the kind and caring staff at Fairview Personal Care Home.