Sydney
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved, Marlene Brenda Bates, age 71, on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at the palliative care unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Proudly born in Whitney Pier on August 4, 1948, Marlene was the youngest child of the late Mary (Stevenson) and Harry Johnston.
Marlene is survived by her daughters, Tracey (Edward) MacPherson, Ottawa and Lindsay (Chris) Couture, Coxheath; sister, Joan (Jimmy) Prestara, Sydney; brother-in-law, Clem (Geneva) Bates, Louisdale; sisters-in-law, Elaine (Ron) MacDonald, Sydney and Donna Bates, Halifax; good friend, Brenda Bidart; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Marlene worked retail for many years and was proud to be an elder at Trinity United Church in Whitney Pier. She loved spending time with her many friends and family, especially spending as much time as possible with her girls. Some of her favorite moments involved all the precious time spent with her grand pets Norm, Shilling, Iggy, Murphy and Holly.
Beside her parents, Marlene was predeceased by her husband, Leonard; brother, Earl (Joan) Johnston; sister in infancy, Margaret Johnston; brother-in-law, Adie Bates and in-laws, Art and Catherine Bates.
We would like to thank the incredible staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital who took such good care of Marlene over the years as well as the VON and home care staff who visited her on a daily basis. Special thanks to Dr. Glenn Gracie of Sydney, her long-time physician and good friend through many trying times.
Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Marlene Bates will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.) Whitney Pier on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 1-2 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel. Light refreshments will take place in the funeral home reception area following the service. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marlene may be made to the Cancer Patient Fund, Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
My heart is broke!! I loved your Mom, I saw her quite regularly during my evening shift for VON. The last time I saw her I told her I would bake her some more of my cranberry orange muffins, I wish I had of got the chance to do that for her, she said “they were delicious ” I will miss her, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I hope you find comfort in knowing how much she was loved. God Bless!
From: Kim MacIntosh LPN VON
So sorry Lindsay and Tracey on the passing of your mom. She was a wonderful person, and she will be missed. Our deepest condolences to both of you and your families.
Sincerely Murray and Sharon
From: Sharon Adams
Joan and Jimmy.So sorry to hear Marlene passed away.
From: Kathy Mac Innis
Our thoughts and prayers are with Marlene’s family and her sister Joan. God Bless
From: Nicholette (Epifano) & Stan MacLellan
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Lots of love and strength is being sent your way. Hugs Tracey and Lindsay. She was a wonderful lady. ❤
My sincere condolences to you Tracey and Lindsay on the loss of your beloved mother. She was a very special lady and I have fond memories of the fun we had while working together. She will always hold a dear spot in my heart. May you both be filled with the strength to endure the days ahead. ❤️
So sorry for your loss and thoughts and prayers for the family. Hugs girls.
Your Home Depot Family,,,, Thinking of you and your family at this
very difficult time,,,, you are in our thoughts and prayers,,, Take Care!!!
My sincere condolences to you both,Tracey and Lindsay; as well as other family members. Memories held deep within my heart will be cherished. Love from Cheryl, a.k.a. “Ducky”.
Condolences to the family.
Many years as a friend
R.I.P. Marlene
Sorry for your loos thoughts and prayers to all your family. Dave and Doris Brown
My right hand for 12 years at Kid’s World.. Marlene will be loved and remembered always for her unconditional love for her family, her friends, her co-workers, her pets and topping the list were her two favourite girls Tracey and Lindsey.. you were your mother’s world.. may her beautiful soul R.I.P. .Hugs and prayers for the family❤️❤️🙏🙏
Sorry to hear of your moms passing may she rest in peace
Our condolences Tracey to you and your family. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Condolences to you Tracey and your family at this sorrowful time. Everyone here at All Saints Catholic High School is keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest condolences to Marlene’s family, and the extended Johnston and Bates families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jim and Sandi Redmond
Campbell River, BC
So very sorry for your loss tracey and lindsay just recently lost dad as well, i feel your grief stay strong ,
God bless
Condolences to you both, Tracey and Lindsay on the loss of your loving and caring Mom. Prayers go out to you through this most difficult time.
Lindsay and Tracey,
We are so sorry to hear of Marlene’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Marlene passing.My prayers go out to Tracey,Lindsay and their families. Joan Haley
Sorry to hear of your moms passing .My prayers our with you during this sad time
Joan, I’m very sorry for your loss. Marlene was a wonderful person and always so happy. My condolences to you and jimmy.
Our deepest condolences to all the family on your loss, sorry that we are unable to attend the service, may she rest in peace. We will remember her in our prayers.
It was always a pleasure to meet Marlene wherever it was. Such a warm and dear soul. She will be missed.
Sincere sympathy
Sandra Dunn