I was blessed to have worked with Marla in her last role as Executive Director at Meals on Wheels in Winnipeg. She was with us for only 2 short years, but in those years, she made a lasting impression and set us on a path to continue her mission. One that continues to be our mission...to assist people living independantly in their community with access to affordable nutrition while being a key partner in the health care and social service system. We truly had what many people hope to have in their working lives, a small but hardworking team that enjoyed what they do and were happy to be at work. Her door was always open, her direction gentle and kind and her ear always willing to listen. Personally she was a mentor and a friend. We shared many after hours chats about our lives and our children and our hopes for future growth in our careers. She continued to foster a positive, supportive and lighthearted work environment for all of us at MoW and we are grateful to have had her in our lives. She will be missed, but in her memory...we carry on.

My thoughts and love to Noёlle and Sonia, and Marla's entire family.

Marla was a gentle soul and one of the kindest, most empathetic people I’ve ever known. She had a great sense of humour, appreciated a good joke, and had a full-body laugh!

Technically, Marla was my boss at The PEI Humane Society, but she was more than that - she was a friend and mentor. Personally, she counselled me through some really difficult times. I cried at her desk more than once, whether it was because of a miscarriage or an animal abuse case. She was a constant support for the entire staff and volunteer team. She didn’t just have an open-door policy - she chose not to keep an office at all, literally parking her desk in a little nook of an open space. The shelter was an incredibly rewarding environment where Marla taught me the true meaning of charity and humanity. With patience and grace, she fought for those who didn’t have a voice. She didn't care about accolades, she cared about people and the creatures of earth. From her work in social services, food banks, and non-profits, to advocating for animals who truly have no voice, she always led with strength and dignity.

Thank you, Marla, for your gift of grace. You will be deeply missed.

Connecting with Marla was one of my life's miracles! Our daughters being so close in age was truly a blessing. Her heart was full of love for her family, and her compassion for her fellow man unparalleled. We were all so fortunate to Marla in our lives. Deepest sympathies and love to Noelle, Sonia, Darren, Cody, Bev & Claire.

Reading this really hit home for me. Marla and I only worked together for a few years, but we connected almost immediately over our love of gardening. In the summer, I would come to work toting huge zucchinis, oversized beets, and enormous cabbages, and she would always respond with enthusiasm and gratitude. We would exchange pictures via text of our gardens and the food we would make from them, often bringing eachother samples of our garden concoctions to eat for lunch. Marla, you were a gentle, kind soul with a dry sense of humour and could make me laugh even during the stressful moments in our day-to-day work. You treated everyone with respect and lived by your values and principles. I will miss you. ❤️

I am very sorry to hear of Marla’s passing. I had the pleasure of working under her leadership. Marla was genuinely kind and caring. She spent her life and career making the world a better place. Thank you, Marla.

You was an amazing lady boss , a very caring and a kind hearted one. With your very short stint at Meals On Wheels I learned a lot from you , the compassion you showed , the learnings not just to be right but to be kind , the fun emails you sent me when we were at the busiest time at work I will cherish all of those, thank you Marla and rest well.

Marla, you were not only a wonderful boss, but a true friend who always had my back. You gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone, and that meant more than you ever knew. I’ll always cherish the memories—especially Smitty by your side and your thoughtful surprises, like a bottle of wine at the door.

All of us were so grateful for the chance to have dinner together in 2024 when you made a brief stop on PEI—it meant so much. I’m so glad we stayed in touch. You made a lasting difference in my life and so many others. You will be deeply missed and always remembered. 💔