In Loving Memory of Marlene Van Dam

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marlene Van Dam, a longtime resident of Woking, Alberta, formerly of Horse Lake First Nation. Marlene passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the age of 74 years.

Marlene was born on December 18, 1951, in Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation to Mable Donavon and Ernest Horseman. She was raised in Horse Lake First Nation by her grandparents, Alice Cardinal (Hammer) and Felix LaGlacé.

Marlene spent many of her childhood years on the trapline with her father, travelling by horse and carriage. She often spoke fondly of those days, sharing memories of trading goods near Saskatoon Island Provincial Park. These experiences remained close to her heart, and she carried the stories of her childhood with her throughout her life.

For many years, Marlene was a familiar face throughout the Peace Region, happily travelling from community to community, filling store shelves with seeds. She loved travelling, being on the road, and the experiences that came with it.

Marlene made her home in Woking, Alberta, for over 20 years. There, she shared her life with her husband, Rudy Van Dam, whom she married in 2003.

Marlene was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin, and friend. Her calm, gentle, and loving nature was something everyone around her cherished. Though small in stature, she gave the biggest and warmest hugs. Those fortunate enough to receive one knew it came straight from her heart.

Above all, Marlene's greatest accomplishment was her family. She lived and breathed for those she loved, dedicating much of her life to raising her children and being an active, loving presence in the lives of her grandchildren. She made every effort to show up for her family whenever she could, offering her time, love, and support. Family was at the centre of her world, and the love she gave will continue to be felt for generations.

Marlene will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Rudy Van Dam, and her children, Juanita Bottle, David Desjarlais, and Bruce Desjarlais, as well as Sheldon Bottle, her grandson whom she lovingly raised as her own son.

She will be deeply missed by her cherished grandchildren: Shauna Livesey, Shawn Bottle, Sharmane Bottle, Brent LaGlacé, Brittany LaGlacé, Bryce LaGlacé, Branden Lizotte, Breanna Lizotte, Andrew Lizotte, Paige Desjarlais, Phoenix Desjarlais, Noah Desjarlais, Nevaeh LaGlacé, and Fabian Jr. Quewezance, along with her many beloved great-grandchildren.

Marlene is also survived by her siblings, Mickey Walker, Rudy LaGlacé, Sharlene Walker, Rita Horseman, Rick Horseman, and Douglas Horseman, along with Clifford Walker, her nephew who was raised as a brother alongside her, by her mother, Mable Donavon.

Marlene was predeceased by her parents, Mable Donavon and Ernest Horseman; her grandparents, Alice Cardinal (Hammer) and Felix LaGlacé; her beloved son, Fabian LaGlacé; and her siblings, Terri Walker, Constance Walker, Ernestine LaGlacé, Lyle LaGlacé, Mavis Bellerose, Bobby Horseman, and Wayne Horseman.

Marlene's gentle spirit, warm embraces, and unconditional love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many lives she touched.

A viewing for Marlene will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Oliver's Funeral Home in Grande Prairie, Alberta (10005-107 Ave).

A funeral service celebrating Marlene's life will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hythe Legion in Hythe, Alberta (9818-100 Ave).

A potluck luncheon will follow the service. Family and friends are warmly invited to bring a dish to share as we gather to honour Marlene's life and memory.

Remember

Joy Harjo

1951 –

Remember the sky that you were born under,

know each of the star’s stories.

Remember the moon, know who she is.

Remember the sun’s birth at dawn, that is the

strongest point of time. Remember sundown

and the giving away to night.

Remember your birth, how your mother struggled

to give you form and breath. You are evidence of

her life, and her mother’s, and hers.

Remember your father. He is your life, also.

Remember the earth whose skin you are:

red earth, black earth, yellow earth, white earth

brown earth, we are earth.

Remember the plants, trees, animal life who all have their

tribes, their families, their histories, too. Talk to them,

listen to them. They are alive poems.

Remember the wind. Remember her voice. She knows the

origin of this universe.

Remember you are all people and all people

are you.

Remember you are this universe and this

universe is you.

Remember all is in motion, is growing, is you.

Remember language comes from this.

Remember the dance language is, that life is.

Remember.