Marlene Moore, who had a long history of working in the local media, including for Sudbury.com, passed away Aug. 17 at the age of 71.
In recent years, Moore had done freelance work for Sudbury.com, including writing a series on local volunteers called Helpers until late 2020.
Born and raised in Sudbury, Marlene (Myleeni) June (Holkko) Moore earned a B.A. in Psychology at Laurentian University, a Law Clerk Certificate at Cambrian College, studied industrial psychology courses at night school, as well as attending a myriad of business skills workshops and seminars over many years.
A life-long learner, Moore’s career actually started as a teenager when she taught lessons in accordion classes in rudimentary music theory at Karl Pukara Studio for eight years.
A highlight of her musical career was performing in the senior orchestra, participating in musical festivals all over Ontario and being with the Sudbury based orchestra when they won first place in an international competition in Los Angeles.
Over the years, Moore entertained her closest friends and family with her unique sense of humour and expert accordion skills.
Moore enjoyed 35+ years working at many levels in the public relations and communications industry, with many senior roles in the mining industry.
Over her career she held positions with Falconbridge, Laurentian Media (which formerly owned Sudbury.com, as well as its predecessor publication Northern Life), Northern Ontario Business Awards (also formerly a Laurentian Media property), CTV Northern Ontario, Svedala, Atlas Copco, CAE Mining Canada, Levert, MNDM, and most recently, the CRA.
She was also a freelance writer, having many articles published in local, national, and international newsletters and publications.
Her obituary said giving back to the community was very important to Moore, and she led or participated on many volunteer and industry committees, winning prestigious awards for her contributions.
She was a community booster, builder, mentor, and dedicated voice especially for working women as a Past President of BPW Sudbury and as Communications Chair on BPW’s National Board.
Moore held executive volunteer positions at United Way, Cinefest, CMHA, Sudbury and District Chamber of Commerce, Northeastern Ontario Chambers of Commerce, Heart and Stroke FDN, CIM (Sudbury Branch and on National Board), Mining Heritage Committee, Modern Mining & Technology Sudbury, Rainbow Crime Stoppers, Finn Fest, and too many more to list.
Moore was a consummate professional, gifted leader, meticulous organizer, hardworking to a fault, and a gentle perfectionist in everything she did, said her obituary.
“A humble, kind, and loyal friend and colleague to all who were lucky enough to be included in her life,” the obituary said. “Her influence on and her love for those in her personal circles was deep, and she was and will forever be deeply loved and missed.”
Moore was the daughter of the late Elias (Veneri) and Lena (Suomu) Holkko, and predeceased by siblings Vilho, Armas, Olavi, Ilmi (Allan Valli) and Mauno (Raili).
She’s lovingly remembered by niece and nephews, Pauli (Sharron) Valli, Harold Valli, Helen (Marcel Barriault predeceased) and Perry Valli (predeceased), and many more across Canada and Finland.
Moore had no children, but was extremely proud of her young grandnieces, grandnephews and her great grandnieces and great grandnephews.
She is lovingly remembered by her lifelong friends Heather Cartmill, and Nicole Van De Ligt, and their families. Throughout her life she has always had a canine companion — the most recent is her cherished Ellee.
A celebration of Moore’s life will take place Monday, Aug. 29 at the Lougheed Funeral Home location on Regent Street. The service takes place at 2 p.m. Friends may gather after 1 p.m.
Donations to the Northern Cancer Centre or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated, said the obituary.
