We Remember

BREMNER, Marion

—

Marion Bremner passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024, with her family and her best friend by her side. She was diagnosed with ALS almost two years ago and fought courageously to the very end, strengthened by her faith and optimism. Even as the disease took so much away from her, she was always more concerned with those around her than about herself.

Marion dedicated her life to serving others and gave generously of her time and abilities to the community. Her father had often told her, “if something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well”. She took this to heart and applied it to everything she did. She was an egalitarian with a strong sense of justice, and she helped pioneer change by challenging discriminatory policies and successfully taking on roles that had never been held by a woman before.

In 1974, while working with the Royal Bank, she transferred from Calgary, AB to Kelowna, BC. Her work within the community started almost immediately. In 1978, she was the first woman director of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and, in 1985, she was the first woman president. She ran for Mayor of Kelowna in 1984 and lost by only 232 votes. In 1988, she was elected as a Kelowna City Councillor and continued to be re-elected for a total of 11 years. Her work with Habitat for Humanity Kelowna began in 1990, when she helped initiate the creation of the locale chapter. Marion went on to become the first woman chair of Habitat Canada (1992 – 1996) and a director & secretary for Habitat for Humanity International (1996 – 2001), travelling as a volunteer to build homes in many countries around the world. She was involved in countless community activities and programs over the past 50 years.

Most recently, Marion ran and managed the Kelowna Meals on Wheels from 2000 until 2022, only retiring when she could no longer physically do the work due to her ALS. She often delivered meals personally when volunteers were away, unwilling to allow anyone to go hungry. In between serving the community through numerous agencies, Marion also worked part-time in real estate from 2004 to 2014, where her focus was on helping first-time homeowners achieve their dreams. In her spare time she enjoyed thrifting and antiquing, and spending time with her family.

Marion was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Award for Community Service in 2012. In March 2022, Marion received the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year award for 2021. This was such a blessing as she had the opportunity to reflect on her life and be recognized for her contributions to the community just a day before being diagnosed with ALS.

In one last act of service, before she passed, Marion volunteered to donate her brain and spinal cord to further ALS research.

Marion was an inspirational person with an amazing heart and is deeply missed by her family. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Clifford Bremner and Christy Bremner (Andrew Jankovic); sister Sharon Will; brothers Will Hamm and Terry Hamm; and many extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents George & Katherine Hamm; sisters Virginia Shaw and Loretta Marchant; and brother Vernon Hamm.

A special thank-you to the ALS Society of BC, the Kelowna Palliative Team, and the staff and volunteers at the Central Okanagan Hospice House.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Kelowna Meals on Wheels or the ALS Society of BC.

A Celebration of Life will be held to remember Marion on SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PDT), at WILLOW PARK CHURCH: 439 Hwy 33, Kelowna, BC.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Service
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PDT)

Location
WILLOW PARK CHURCH

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Kelowna Meals on Wheels or the ALS Society of BC Link: www.mow-online.com, www.alsbc.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for BREMNER, Marion is scheduled for SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

WILLOW PARK CHURCH

439 Hwy 33 Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Beryl Baldeo says:
    March 22, 2024 at 9:34 am

    Marion was truly an inspiration to all who met her, A gracious, giving, loving lady who used all her God given talents and gifts to serve her family, community and country to make it a better place. Thank you Marion. Love and prayers for her family. With appreciation, Beryl

    Reply

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