Marlene Preiss passed on Saturday, October 15, 2022, in her 84th year, at the home of her sister, Wilma Preiss Boughtflower, in Woodstock, Ontario. A longtime resident of Toronto, Marlene had been living with her sister in Woodstock since the start of the covid pandemic in March 2020.
Marlene will be tremendously missed by her sister, Wilma; her niece, Tanya Boughtflower and her husband Sean Walker and grand-niece Sophia Walker; her nephew Timothy Boughtflower and his wife Amanda Boughtflower, and her grand-nephews Jacob and Noah Boughtflower; the remaining ‘Cats’, and friends both near and far.
After successful careers with the Institute of Canadian Bankers and the York Region Board of Education, Marlene focused her attention to the pursuit of retirement excellence. As a passionate patron of Classical music, Marlene travelled widely to pursue this interest and was a fixture of the Women’s Music Club of Toronto, the Toronto Wagner Society, the Canadian Opera Company, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Ballet of Canada, the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto, Aldeburgh Connection and Toronto Summer Music Festival. Undoubtedly, Marlene’s legacy will be her unwavering support to her many friends who orbited 35 Church Street in pursuits of common interests from concerts to the Blue Jays. Whilst in Woodstock, Marlene continued to meet new friends and became a part of the community.
The first of two drop-in Celebrations of Life will be held in Woodstock from 4-7pm on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at the home of Wilma Boughtflower. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life in Toronto from 1-4pm on Friday, November 4, 2022, at the HotHouse Restaurant, 35 Church Street, Toronto. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation & Celebrations, Arva (519-963-4003).
The family would like to thank Dr Jitin Sondhi and Dr Shameena Tamachi, St Elizabeth Health Care and CarePartners for their devoted care, and the Oxford Palliative Care Outreach Team for the superb arrangements which allowed her to remain at home with her family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodstock Hospital Foundation, Sistema Toronto (a music and social development program for children living in underserved communities), or Canadian Connections in support of refugees to Canada.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Joyce and Don LaFontaine says
Dear Wilma- I was devastated to learn of the loss of my dear friend. I will never forget our wonderful ‘working holiday ‘ in Scotland. You and your family have our deepest sympathy. Don and Joyce La Fontaine
Donna (Hallett) Hutton says
Wilma Jean, thinking of you at this difficult time.
Susan Dalton says
Dear Wilma and family, I had the pleasure of working closely with Marlene while working at Langstaff. We had a lot in common as we had both worked for “The Bank” and we both loved teaching ESL. I had the joy of “teaching her the ropes” as she moved from Commerce to Education. We sat side by side in the office and debated many of her concerns about what and how she should be teaching. She loved talking about her family especially her niece and nephew and her holidays with Wilma during our break time. As you know, we continued our relationship after we both left for different schools and she got to know my family as well. As Bernard pointed out, not only did she stay in touch with some of the teachers, but she also maintained a connection to her graduate students. I could wish for her peace, but I know that she would prefer listening to an orchestration rather than silence. May she have a front row seat in heaven.
Bernard Wong says
Ms. Preiss was a much adored teacher at our school. Everyone knew her as a benevolent educator, a kind mentor, and was well respected by the student body. After graduation, along with a few other teachers, we kept in touch and became friends (you insisted on “Marlene”, I respectfully insisted on “Ms. Preiss”!) who would come out and enjoy a meal together.
My deepest condolences to your family and friends, Ms. Preiss. May your gentle spirit continue to dance and soar to the music that you loved, may your smile be everlasting in the hearts of everyone who had the fortune of meeting you, and may your memories stay forever with every student who ever studied under you.
Linda Trouten-Radford (Guelph, Ont) says
Wilma-Jean and family: Our sincere condolences on the recent passing of your beloved sister and aunt, and our cousin Marlene. It has been many years since we have connected. Time, distance and life have intervened and now we find ourselves much older than we would have thought possible, too soon. I must say Marlene in her 84th year made me feel old and I am quite a few years younger. Lynn Bilton was kind enough to forward Marlene’s obituary. Marlene was involved in so many activities so I am sure there are many cherished memories of a life well lived. I am sorry my husband Don and I will not be able to help you celebrate Marlene’s life Nov 1 but we will be there in spirit.
Susie Tzimika says
I would like to express my deepest condolences to Marlene’s family. I met Marlene during the beginning of my teaching career. I have fond memories of us planning lessons and activities for the many new Canadians in our grade 9 geography class. She was a wonderful teacher, and mentor. Rest in peace Marlene.
Beverley Burke says
Dear Wilma
My sincere condolences on the loss of your dear Marlene.
You shared so much.
I so admired Marlene’s spirit, and her drive to do the best she was capable of.
Your support made it all work.
I enjoyed being with you both at the ballet.
“There is a tie that death cannot sever
Love and remembrance last forever”
Best
Beverley