Marlene Ann Skokun passed away peacefully November l3th, 2011 at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, MB with her husband Ron by her side. Marlene was born March 8th, 1950 on the farm near Polonia, MB to her parents Martha and Stanley Lewandawski. Marlene was raised on the farm with her 5 brothers and sisters. She attended a one-room school for the first few years, and then relocated to Neepawa to complete her high school education. Marlene attended the St. Boniface General Hospital nursing program, where she graduated with her RN degree in 1971. Marlene had passion for people, most importantly to help those in need. Marlene excelled in her passion and had a 38-year nursing career. Her career started off by working in remote northern communities and then continued as a nursing instructor at Keewatin Community College (KCC) in The Pas, MB for 33 years. Marlene was strong willed and fought for everything she believed in. She took great pride in advocating for the northern nurses and northern people that they deserved the opportunity to receive a higher education without having to relocate or quit their jobs. Marlene was a nursing instructor, which progressed into the Coordinator of the Baccalaureate Nursing program and then became the Department Head of Health at KCC. Marlene met the man of her dreams, Ronald James Skokun while living in The Pas. They were joined in marriage on July 9th, 1977. They spent 35 years up in The Pas enjoying the outdoor adventures. Marlene and Ron were blessed with 3 beautiful daughters and one grandson. Marlene was so proud of her family and worked very hard to provide for them. Marlene’s personal interests included serving on the executives for the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) and the Norman district chapter of CRNM. She was also an avid gardener, enjoyed photography, scrapbooking and aquasizes. Marlene will be remembered for her love and strong faith. Left to survive her is her loving husband Ron, her daughters Nadia (Ken Mclean - Port McNeill, BC); Nicole Saive (Martin - Lorette, MB) and grandson Caleb; Vanessa (Brian Heintz - The Pas, MB) and step-daughter Jennie (Chicago, IL). Marlene was predeceased by her parents Stanley and Martha Lewandawski; Ron’s parents - Steve and Mary Skokun; Doreen (sister) and Nick (brother-in-law) Zamonsky; Grace Lewandawski (sister-in-law); Helen Olszowka (sister-in-law); and Walter Skokun (brother-in-law). Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel on Thursday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m. with prayers at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held Friday, November 18 at 11:00 a.m. at the Christ our Saviour Catholic Church, 365 Loewen Blvd, Steinbach with interment at Heritage Cemetery. If friends so desire donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation, 1109 – 675 McDermot Ave.; Wpg., MB R3E 0V9 or to The Bethesda Foundation, 316 Henry St., Steinbach, MB R5G 0P9