Marlene Lorraine Fried

Marlene Lorraine Fried, 85, passed away peacefully on February 28th at her home in Salmon Arm, BC.

She was born in Grand Prairie, Alberta on August 17, 1940 to Elsa and George Ulmer, and from an early age carried the spark of independence and humor that would define her life and endear her to many.

Marlene married Ron Fried in 1962. Together they built a life rooted in hard work and adventure. They began their married years in Grand Prairie before relocating to the Shuswap in 1971. After much hard work, they opened Magna Bay Resort in the spring of 1972 with her parents, creating not just a lakeside campground but a beloved gathering place for families who still return year after year.

After the sale of the resort in 1977, Marlene and her family moved to Salmon Arm where she continued to connect with her community, first as a cashier at the Super Valu. She later joined Community Living BC, where she supported adults and seniors with disabilities for 23 years. Her quick wit, playful mischief, and genuine compassion left a lasting mark on her colleagues and clients. Though she retired in 2007, she remained close with her CLBC family.

Marlene was predeceased by her husband in 2001. In the years that followed, she embraced her love of travel with enthusiasm and curiosity, often returning home with carefully chosen treasures reflective of her love of antiques and pottery. Of the many countries she explored, Turkey and Vietnam are remembered as her favorites, as well as the Imperial Cities tour in Europe. Her adventurous spirit shone through when she went zip-lining in Costa Rica at the age of 72. More recently, she rekindled her love of travel with her companion Dennis, sharing memorable trips to Alaska and Haida Gwaii.

Creativity was woven into Marlene’s life. She found joy in crafting pottery, and through her pottery club formed cherished friendships with Diane, Holly and many others. Always looking for new mediums, she enjoyed spending hours combing beaches in search of unique shells and driftwood, imaging what they might become in her hands.

Above all, Marlene’s greatest joy was her family. She will be deeply missed by her children, Neil (Karen) and Jeff (Halee); her grandchildren Leah (Yo), Zach, Mitchell (Samantha), Alex (Courtenay), Avery, and Griffin (Kennedy); and her great-grandchildren Isaac, Owen, Elliott, and Frankie, with two more eagerly anticipated this summer.

Marlene will be remembered for her humor, her adventurous heart, her creativity, and the love she held for family and friends. A private family gathering will be held to celebrate her life.