In Loving Memory of
Marlene Bright
(Maiden: Hanson)

of Grande Prairie, Alberta
July 28, 1947 - May 24, 2023

It is with many broken hearts that our family mourns the loss of the “big heart” of the family around which we revolved. Marlene Evelyn Bright, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of Flin Flon, MB, passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, at the age of 75 years.

Marlene was born in Foam Lake, SK, on July 28, 1947, to Henry and Evelyn Hanson. She had 2 siblings, Hank and Colleen.

At the age of 5 years, Marlene lost her left leg in a grain auger while holding a flashlight for her uncle who was loading grain. Her father could not handle the situation and disappeared into the darkness.  Evelyn did her best to deal with the situation, and said, "I felt a big hand on my shoulder, and someone said, ‘She is going to be ok’".  When they finally got her to a doctor (no phones, ambulance, STARS) the Doctor treating her said, "She should not be alive". So her life was a 70 year miracle.

Marlene was first and foremost a homemaker and selflessly gave as much as she could gather to each one of the family to make sure everyone felt loved. This included more than her own children (Belinda, Candice, and David). She loved God and was a true intercessor. She spent many hours praying for countless people over the decades. She was a great example of a virtuous woman.

She loved to cross-stitch, scrapbook, crochet, knit and buy presents for all her children. She planned birthdays and special events and loved Christmas. She was overjoyed with the arrival of her “two beautiful granddaughters”, Lily and Phoenix to Candice and Trevor Healing.

Marlene will be sadly missed by her common-law husband of 30 years Rob Sweigard; children: Belinda Bright, David Bright, and Candice (Trevor) Healing; grandchildren Phoenix and Lily Healing; mother Evelyn Meyer, sister Colleen (Scott) Gourlay; Courtney Sande and her children TJ and Dalen; Keith Steinenger and daughter Dani Mucha-Steinenger; Amanda Mucha (all three were held close in her heart, and treated like the rest of the family as much as was possible); Christine Ingalls (who, while growing up in the neighborhood, spent many an hour watching and talking with Marlene while she did her handwork and now has six children of her own); niece Debbie Dawson and her daughter Kaitlyn Kennedy; nephew James (Amanda) Dawson and their children Hadley and Luca; niece Amber Hay and family; niece Sasha Christie and family, nephew Robert Hanson and family; and nephew Andy Hanson and family.

She was predeceased by her father Henry, brother Hank, and stepfather Roy Meyer.

Those who knew Marlene could feel the love she exuded and the number of those impacted by her departure is too long to list. Her earthly struggles have ended and she is now home at last.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 2:00 pm, at Grande Prairie Alliance Church (15502 102 St.).

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her… - Proverbs 31: 10-11.