Marlene Marie Trace
elevated v3QJJ March 29, 1939 ~ November 12, 2025
elevated v3QJJ Visitation
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 4 – 8 pm & Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 9:30 – 10:15 am
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated v3QJJ
Funeral Mass
Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 10:30 am
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated v3QJJ Click here to watch the mass
elevated v3QJJ Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Section: 8
8361 Yonge Street Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated v3QJJ Obituary
elevated v3QJJ It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Marlene Trace (née Clancy) on the evening of November 12th, 2025.
elevated v3QJJ Beloved wife of David E. Trace (1937-2010), sharing 49 years of marriage, cherished mother to Patty (Brian) and David (Noreen). Marlene was a devoted grandmother to Brendan (Rebecca), Conor, Sean (Maggie), and Brent (Veronica), as well as a proud great-grandmother to Evelyn, Abi, and Leo.
elevated v3QJJ Marlene’s life was a testament to love, resilience, faith, and fierce independence. She carried generations of stories, wisdom, and affection in her heart, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, and the countless memories shared.
elevated v3QJJ She was a true trailblazer, dedicating over four decades to working in the insurance industry. Beyond her professional achievements she knew the importance of attending mass, a friendly card game, and having freshly made chocolate chip cookies readily available.
elevated v3QJJ Her grandsons will fondly remember her thoughtful gifts, always choosing toys over clothes, as she believed that a grandmother’s job was to make life more fun. Through her stories of our grandfather, she wove his spirit into our lives, ensuring that as we grew, his laughter and love were never far away.
elevated v3QJJ Thank you, for the warmth and guidance you gave so freely. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
elevated v3QJJ In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Georgian Triangle in Collingwood Ontario.
I was very sad to hear of Marlene’s passing. She was a beautiful soul and I enjoyed chatting with her when meeting at Brendan and Rebecca’s house. May she rest in peace now free from pain.
My thoughts are with Dave, Noreen and all the family with their sad loss.
It breaks my heart that you’ve lost someone so special. You and your family loved and cared for them very much, and I hope that you’ll continue to take care of each other through this loss. I’m sorry their light is gone from your life. Cherish your memories always.
I remember as a young boy being included in the card games. It was exciting for me. I felt grown up.
I remember the stories, the smiles, her kindness, generosity, empathy, and understanding—in my case, particularly her understanding of boys; gifting her grandsons toys rather than clothes is an example that made me smile, and oddly specific, the stewed tomatoes she made—my favorite which I looked forward to every Christmas.
I’m sad and sorry to know she’s passed. She had so much love. My condolences to my niece Patty and my nephew and good friend David.
My Aunt Marlene was one of a kind. She always had a smile and a twinkle in her eye. She saw the best in everyone. She was a wicked card player and an excellent cook. Who will ever forget her famous butter tarts? She gave me and my family so much love over the years, I will miss her dearly. Sending prayers to David and Patty and their families at this sad time.
Mary Teresa Devlin
We are very sad to hear of the passing of Marlene. She was a lovely person, we enjoyed seeing and chatting with her. She lit up every time she saw Evelyn and Abigail. She will always be Grandma Trace to everyone in our family.
Deepest condolences to all the family 💕
We were so sorry to hear of Marlene’s passing. She and David were great friends for many years. We fondly remember trips together, evenings playing cards, and even going to mass with them (and sometimes they went Anglican with us). Our thoughts are with Patty & David
We were so sorry to hear of Marelene’s passing. We were close friends of Marlene and David for many years. We fondly remember trips together, evenings playing cards, and going to church together, usually Catholic, sometimes Anglican. Our thoughts are with Patty and young David.
We were very sorry to hear of Marelene’s passing. We were close friends of Marlene and David for many years and have fond memories of trips together, playing cards until the wee hours, and going to church together (usually Catholic, sometimes Anglican). Our thoughts are with Patty and “young” David.
There are no words that can express the depth of sorrow I feel for your loss.
The precious memory of
Marlene will forever remain on our hearts.
To Patty and David and their families:
Deepest sympathy to you both. I know how much she loved you all and often told me how good you were to her.
Marlene and I were extremely close since we we were teenagers. We started work together and had so much fun. We went through our marriages together and I was her bridesmaid. We shared the loss of our husbands We were the same age with only a couple of months apart. We emailed each other with photos of our grandchildren and many jokes back and forth. She was so kind and thoughtful.
I loved her so much and will miss her and those emails.
Till we meet again Marlene.
Dear Patty; David and family. My sincere condolences on the passing of Marlene. May you find strength in the coming days as you navigate this difficult time. Memories will bring you comfort through the tears of grief until you meet again.
Marlene was my cousin but when we were younger, I always thought of her as a big sister. She even took me with her and Helen trace to New York City when I was 17. She had such faith and strength. She sure will be missed!
I am very sad for the loss of a gentle soul. Like my bothers and sisters I have such great memories of Christmas and NewYears dinners, card games, learning 4 corners at the cottage and her unconditional love.
Our deepest sympathies for your loss.
Marlene was a close friend of my aunt Carol. When my aunt passed away in 2016, we remained close to her friends in Ontario . We would visit each year and before we knew it, my aunt’s friends became ours.
Marlene invited us into her home for home cooked meals with friends, then we would spend the rest of the night, laughing and enjoying her wonderful stories.
Over the years, Marlene and friends have became more like family than friends and have truly touched our heart.
Marlene was a wonderful, amazing person who made the world a lot brighter and for those who knew her, were blessed to have her in their lives.
Love and peace Marlene, we will miss you dearly
Sincere condolences on the passing of you mother.
She was a kind and wonderful person. We are glad that
we were able to spend time with her and your late
father in Muskoka. She will be greatly missed by many
people.
So sorry to hear about Marlene’s passing She was a great lady to chat with.
So sorry David and Noreen I’m sure you have precious memories but now she can rest in peace.
Marlene was one of the classiest people I have ever met. I met Dave first and Marlene and Dave were like 2 peas in a pod; kind, gracious, straight, and loving. They could both tell great stories. Marlene was determined to do things the way she saw it. A strong and wonderful friend. Spending time with Marlene was a gift. She was so proud of her kids, grandkids and the great grandkids. God bless your soul Marlene. I am happy to know that you and Dave are together again for eternity. You will be greatly missed.
On behalf of the Misericordia Friends, I want to express our condolences to Marlene’s family. We miss Marlene very much. We loved her gentle nature and kind thoughts; she was very special to us in her membership in the Misericordia Friends. You will be missed by all of us in the Family with Venerable Mother Rosalie Cadron-Jetté.
Deepest condolences to the family. Marlene was a neighbor for many years. RIP.
Aunt Marlene and uncle David were two of the kindest souls. I remember a beautiful summer Sarah and I spent at their cottage. My heart goes out Patty, David, and the whole family. Your mother and father were wonderful people.