Marlene Stephen

Marlene was a dedicated and passionate teacher. She held a Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Music Education. Over her 41-year teaching career, she taught math and then band with both the Winnipeg and Louis Riel School Divisions. Even after retiring, Marlene fondly kept track of the lives and successes of many former students.

Marlene was involved in the Scottish community all her life. She began playing the bagpipes as a young girl. She was a proud member of the Heather-Belle Ladies' Pipe Band for 39 years and served as the Pipe Major of the band for 21 of those years. Marlene's involvement continued through organizing competitions and judging young pipers.

Her commitment to music and her Scottish heritage are further evident in the various groups, organizations and events that were important to Marlene, including: the Winnipeg Scottish Festival, Bands on the Boardwalk Highland Games, Prairie Pipe Band Association of Manitoba where she served as the President, Rainbow Stage, Tempo Music Conference, International Music Camp, Manitoba Music Educators' Association and Manitoba Highland Dancing Association, where she served as President from 1992–1995.

Marlene was a visionary who worked tirelessly for these many groups. She was famous for dreaming big, but making things happen. She made connections wherever she went, leaving lasting fingerprints on the lives she touched.

Family was extremely important to Marlene. She was a loving and devoted mother to Marnie (Richard) and happily, got to know her granddaughter Fiona. She would have loved to know Callum. She was daughter to Margaret and Jack, and sister to Nancy, David, and Lynn. This reflects two generations of Stephens actively involved in the Scottish community.

Sadly Marlene’s life was shortened by cancer January 19, 2009 at the age of 61.

Submission compiled from Marlene’s obituary and excerpts from “The Who’s Who in Highland Dance in Manitoba”, edited by Janet McCombe.