Margaret “Marleen” Checkeris (nee Little) age 90 years of Markham passed away peacefully Sunday April 23rd, 2023.

Marleen is survived by her daughters Jennifer (Don), Melanie (Ron) and Sarah (Russell); her beloved grandchildren Mitchell (Carol), Allistair, Riley, and Danika; her sisters-in-law Verna, Susan, and Muiriel; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Peter Checkeris; her parents Jack and Violet Little (nee Ross); her brothers Jack and Robert; her sister Patricia; her brothers in-law Ernie, Bill and John; her sisters-in-law Liisa and Mary; her nephew Andrew and niece Sue.

Marleen was born in Waterloo, Ontario moving with her family to Toronto as a young child. Growing up in the city, she enjoyed biking and ice skating. She had an ageless curiosity, especially regarding current events and politics. Marleen appreciated history and was an enthusiastic follower of the British Monarchy from the time she was a girl. She had a passion for travel, seeing new places, and meeting interesting people.

Marleen derived a great deal of satisfaction from her career as a bookkeeper and was an avid reader throughout her life. While her girls were growing up, she volunteered as a Girl Guide leader and for many years was the Area Girl Guide Commissioner in Scarborough. Although she was a busy homemaker, she found time to bake her famous butter tarts and delicious peanut butter cookies.

Through much of her life she found joy in fashion and was an accomplished seamstress. Her daughters and grandchildren benefited greatly from her sewn and knitted creations. Marleen was known to require perfection in all that she created which sometimes meant the undoing of miles of wool, often to her husband's despair.

Marleen would want to be remembered for her dignified manner, warm smile and mischievous sense of humour.

The family would like to thank the staff of Amica Unionville, Evergreen Hospice, Central Local Health Integration Network, and the doctors, nurses, and staff at Markham Stouffville Hospital for the care and support Marleen received in her final months.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Evergreen Hospice would be appreciated.
https://evgcares.org/?page_id=236