Marlene Wuskynyk

December 17, 1946 – March 20, 2025

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved Mother, Baba, Sister and Aunt, Marlene Josephine Wuskynyk (Nee: Muzyka) on Thursday, March 20, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Marlene is survived by her children Doris-Anne (Glenn) Hildebrand, Dawn (Sean) Krahn, Bobby (Erin) Wuskynyk, Michael (Sarah) Wuskynyk, grandchildren Jack and Amy Hildebrand, Gillian and Lydia Krahn, Emily, Olivia Wuskynyk and their mother Courtney, Michaela, William and Alexandra Wuskynyk; siblings Gloria Kostelnyk, Pamela (Lou) Sanche, Marvin (Winnie) Muzyka, Barry Muzyka and many nieces and nephews. 

Marlene was predeceased by her husband Robert (Bob) Sr Wuskynyk, parents Martin and Doris Muzyka, son Russel Knibbs, sister Carol Suzanski, and brothers-in-law Sam Kostelnyk and Doug Suzanski.

Marlene was born in Winnipeg, MB on December 17, 1946, and lived in St. Martin, MB with her parents and siblings until 1958, at which time Marlene and her family moved to Peguis First Nation. Marlene attended junior high at Peguis and high school in Fisher Branch, where Marlene met and fell in love with Robert. 

Marlene attended Teachers’ College and embarked on a 30 plus year long career in education, including earning in Bachelor of Education degree. Marlene’s first teaching job was at St. Martin School. In 1969 she started teaching at Peguis First Nation School, where she remained for 34 years. In 1969, Marlene was instrumental in obtaining funds for her students at Peguis to attend an overnight field trip to Winnipeg, which was a first trip to Winnipeg for many students. Marlene started the first drug and alcohol free youth group through the Parent Resource Institute For Drug Education (PRIDE) Canada. In the final years of her career, Marlene taught Home Economics, incorporating traditional teachings such as beading, making star blankets, and pow wow regalia. Marlene loved all her students and encouraged them to always do their best. In 2015, Marlene was honoured to be nominated for the Indigenous Education Award, Partner in Indigenous Education by a former student and colleague. 

During the summers, Marlene and Bob, along with their children, worked the family farm, gardening, and farming. Marlene was known for her excellent meals, and no one ever left her home hungry. Marlene was so proud of all her children and each of their accomplishments. Marlene LOVED being a Baba and treasured every moment she spent with all her grandchildren.  

Thank you to Dr. King, Dr. Binnet, Dr. Currie, Dr. Gange, Dr. Durocher and all the nursing staff at the Westview Health Centre Hospice for the exceptional, kind care that Marlene received from each of you. 

A special thank you to sisters Gloria and Pam and niece Sherry Costa for the ongoing support and love provided to Marlene.  

A Celebration of Life will take place:

Saturday, May 3, 2025, 1:00 PM, Dallas/Red Rose Community Hall, Dallas/Red Rose, MB 

God Saw You Getting Tired

God saw you getting tired

And a cure was not to be;

So He Wrapped you in His loving arms

And whispered, “Come with Me”.

You suffered much in silence,

Your spirit did not bend;

You faced your pain with courage

Until the very end.

You tried so hard to stay with us,

Your fight was all in vain;

God took you in His loving arms

And saved you from all the pain.