Marlene Oi-Tjien Lee passed away unexpectedly on January 18, 2025, after a fall. She was 74 years young and living independently in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at the time.

Born in Paramaribo, Suriname, on April 6, 1950, to Jones Lee Kin Fong and Fooy Yin Lyn, Marlene was the second oldest daughter in a loving family with seven siblings. Her upbringing was a full, loving, and family-filled one.

After graduating from a Roman Catholic School and completing a secretarial science course, she worked briefly at a telecommunications firm in Paramaribo. In 1971, she moved to The Hague, The Netherlands, where she was employed by the Dutch Government until 1976.

Marlene joined her family in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1976. She pursued Business studies at York University, earning her Bachelor's Degree in 1980, and then obtained her Master's Degree in Economics from Western University in London, Ontario, in 1982. In 1989, she joined a Public Speaking Club and received positive feedback from fellow participants.

Marlene's professional career included roles at Nortel from 1982 to 1990, and at De Havilland Canada (later Bombardier) from 1990 to 1998. In 1999, she moved to Ottawa to work at Public Works and Government Services Canada, first as a Senior Program Analyst and then as an Investment Analyst at the Real Property Services Branch, until her retirement in 2022.

Described as hardworking, loyal, dedicated, and intelligent, Marlene was known for her positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond. She was also kind, caring, and generous, with a strong sense of conviction.

In the latter part of her life, Marlene lived in condominiums and actively participated on condo boards and with property management offices. She was respected by staff and achieved positive outcomes, such as keeping maintenance fees low and improving building security.

Travel was another passion of Marlene's. Her journeys took her to numerous countries in Europe (France, Belgium, Germany, Holland), Asia (Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan), Mexico, Peru, and North America (Alaska, Florida, California). She also travelled across Canada to Vancouver, explored many parks in Ontario, and completed a hiking tour in the Rocky Mountains. She made lasting friendships wherever she went.

Marlene's search for meaning and truth led her to Buddhism in the later years of her life. She formed strong and enduring bonds with friends at two temples in the GTA area, namely Thuy, Cathy, William, Eva, Donna, Dora, Yvonne, Su, and many more.

Marlene was predeceased by her parents, Jones Lee Kin Fong and Fooy Yin Lyn, and her elder sister Carla Jiet-Tjien Lee. She is survived by her brothers (Robert and Edward), her sisters (Rosita, Maureen and Astrid), her nieces and nephews (Carolyn, Rosalinda, Evelyn, Kevin, Kaiwen, Natalie, Cameron, Jonathan, Michael and Katherine), her grandniece (Zoe) and her grandnephew (Hudson).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Manjushri Buddhist Centre or Cham Shan Temple. Please visit the "Make a Donation" page under "Donations" to find more information on how to donate.