Eva Marlene Fagan
Died: April 9, 2024 | Place: London, Ontario
Services
Visitation
Thursday, May 30, 2024
2:00 – 4:00 pm
7:00 – 9:00 pm
A. Millard George Funeral Home
60 Ridout Street South
London, Ontario
N6C 3X1
Celebration of Life
Friday, May 31, 2024
1:30 pm
St. James Westminster Anglican Church
115 Askin Street
London, Ontario
N6C 1E7
Interment
Saturday, June 1, 2024
11:00 am
Oakland Cemetery
390 Oxford Street West
London, Ontario
N6H 1T3
Obituary
Eva Marlene Fagan (n. Love)
October 27, 1937 – April 9, 2024
With the heaviest of hearts our family shares the passing of our beloved matriarch Eva Marlene (Love) Fagan, on Tuesday April 9, 2024. A resident of Henley Place Long-Term Care, she was in her 87th year. ‘Marlene-Mom-Grandma-Great Grandma’ was surrounded at the end by the love of her entire family, who are mourning and celebrating her beautiful life.
Cherished wife and life partner of Gerald Fagan. Devoted mother of Leslie (Jeff Pinkney), Louise (Michael Hew), Judith Sparks (David), Jennifer (David VanDenDriesschen), Jonathan (Sara Mau).
Doting grandmother of Isabella Hansen, Nathaniel Wise (Jill), Gillian Wise (Mickael St-Amant), Samuel Romyn (Natalie), Jesse Romyn (Emma), Max VanDenDriesschen, Mae VanDenDriesschen, Lucas VanDenDriesschen, Gracie Fagan (Braeden Evans) and Arthur Fagan (Lux Swartz). Delighted great-grandmother of Burton Wise, Madden Wise, Alexandra Romyn, Rex Romyn, and Finn St-Amant. Dear sister of Gwendolyn Oliver (Ray); predeceased by her dear sister Ruth Acker.
Marlene’s passion for her family was matched only by her passion for music. From her church organist and choir leader days at Knox Presbyterian Church in Listowel Ontario, to her roles as general manager and accompanist, under the baton of her sweetheart Gerald, of the London Symphonic Chorus, The Gerald Fagan Singers, Chor Amica, and the Concert Players Orchestra, Marlene inspired and supported generations of musicians. Bestowed with numerous awards, Marlene was humbled to be named as a YWCA Woman of Excellence (London Ontario), to be honoured with Gerald at Western University’s Don Wright Faculty of Music Wall of Fame, and for receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award (Forest City London Music Awards).
But Marlene’s greatest joys came from her close knit family. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply, forging special relationships with each of them. Whatever Marlene put her energy to, she did so with love, enthusiasm and immense generosity. Friends and family will be forever touched by her infectious sense of humour, her beautiful smile, and her delicious butter tarts.
Please join the family in celebrating Marlene. Family and friends are welcome to visitation on Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 1:30 pm at St. James Westminster Church, 115 Askin Street, London, a tea will follow. The interment will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11:00 am at Oakland Cemetery, 390 Oxford Street West, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Marlene may be made to the St. James Westminster Church Music Fund. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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My thoughts are with the entire Fagan Family at this very sad time.
It was my honor to have studied music with Marlene and Gerry in the early 1960’s at the Silverwood Building,in London Ontario where the School of Music was situated then. Their deep love of music and friendship will always be remembered by me. A great loss of a lovely, gracious, talented lady.
Sue (Spackman) Green
To Gerald and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences.You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Maxine Stanley
Deepest sympathies to a wonderful family. Wish I had known her personally. I do know she was adored and loved by Gerald, one of my favourite high school teachers
Our deepest condolences to the Fagan family. Sending you love and light to comfort you. Marlene will be sorely missed. — Terri and Rob Achmann
Dear Judy and Louise, I was so sorry to read of the passing of your Mom. She was much loved by your whole family and will be dearly missed. She and your father had such a partnership in Music and in Life !
My condolences to all your family. May life fall softly around you as you share this time together.
With love, Heather.
A voice in the choir, and the hands at the piano, will always be missed!
To all of you: I’m so sorry you’ve lost your Mom, your Gramma, your great Gramma, and Gerry, your life’s partner. She was an extraordinary woman with an unwavering commitment to loving her family and that overflowed to friends. I will carry many good memories of Marlene.
Dear Gerry and Family,
I am sorry to hear of Marlene’s passing. I was privileged to sing in the Fanshawe Symphonic under the musical partnership of Gerry and Marlene. I have many wonderful memories of Marlene and her mastery of the piano during our rehearsals.
On behalf of Estelle Aldred and family I wish to send our deepest sympathies to Gerry and family. My mother had great admiration for Marlene’s talent and I was grateful to see her last with the Bach Choir at the memorial at Fairfield Museum during the commemoration of the War of 1812.
My deepest condolences to Gerald and the whole family. Marlene (who was “Mrs. Fagan” to me!) was a deeply important piano teacher when my family lived in London, Ontario. Her pedagogy and astute awareness of child development was profound, and shaped not only my life, but now the lives of my many students over the years, as I am in international arts education now and a professional pianist in California. I know she changed the lives of many people and brought so much joy through her own music. My heart goes out to all of you as you work through the difficult loss of your beloved mum, grandma, and life partner.
My most heartfelt sympathy to all. Sad times for sure
Sincerely Glenna
So sorry about the loss of Marlene. As a young musician Gerry and Marlene took a chance with me. I remember the day I went into their living room with my trombone and asked “Mrs. Fagan” to accompany me on a solo so I could audition to play with the London Concert Players Orchestra ( I think I was only about 17 years old?) After the audition both Gerry and Marlene said “we like your spunk kid, welcome to the family.” Thus began over a quarter century of playing (mostly principle trombone) with a fabulous orchestra under the baton of Gerry. Marlene was the most organized general manager I have ever worked for. Her love of the “product” and her faith in people was so awesome. I also enjoyed it when we got to hear her play along with the choir and/or the orchestra.. What an awesome musician. You helped a young trombone player mature into what he is today. You will be missed Marlene. Thank you for what you did for the musical community. To the family (especially Gerry), cherish the fond memories and her infectious smile!
Gerry and family – Thinking of you with sorrow on the passing of Marlene. May your fond memories and the caring support of family and friends help you to journey through this sad time. Joy Pryce (Marketing & Communications Fanshawe College)
Sending heartfelt condolences to Marlene’s family and friends who will miss her so much. Memories of studying music theory as a high school student at the Fagan family table, alongside fellow student Leslie, are vivid! We don’t realize when we’re young how important that foundational instruction will be. Thank you Marlene for being a generous and passionate teacher. Rest in Peace.
Stephanie Martin
My most sincere condolences to Gerry and the entire family. What a vibrant life-force we have all lost!
Dear Gerry and Family: Thinking of you at this sad time. Marlene was such a kind and generous person. We had such a fun and exciting time in Ireland with the LDSS choir. Sincerely, Floyd and Liz (Johnson) Herman xo
Dear Gerry and family,
I was glad that we were able to talk over the phone last evening and reminisce about Marlene. Such a devoted wife/partner, mother, grandmother, mentor to many and a prodigious pianist and musician who by sharing her impressive musical gifts, impacted so many in London and beyond. Christiane and I extend our most sincere condolences on your loss. Marlene was a wonderful, gracious and talented lady with whom I was privileged to know and collaborate not only as a singer/musician in the musical partnership we had entitled “Just Between Friends (so much fun)” but more importantly as a friend; just an fortunate one among a legion of friends and admirers. May angels sing (and play) you to your rest, Marlene. Sincerely, John Avey
Dear Gerry, Leslie, Louise, Judy, Jennifer, and Jonathan and families. As each of you know, Marlene was an extraordinary person who always welcomed you with a smile and engaged you with a keen sense of humour. As a musician, she impacted thousands of choristers and instrumentalists guiding through music making. As a wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother she was passionately proud as she relayed stories about how each of you were doing–beaming with joy. May the memories of Marlene wrap around you and provide comfort as you process the void and loss each of you are feeling.
Gerald:
Sincere condolences.
Jack Behrens
On behalf of the Fanshawe College Retirees’ Association I would like to extend our condolences to both family and friends. Marlene was was a dedicated long serving part of the Music program in Fanshawe College’s School of Continuing Education and of course a major contributor to the London music scene. Regards, S. Detering
To Gerald and the entire Fagan family: I remember many wonderful concerts and I know how Marlene’s talent and care made them special. She was an amazing woman and she made such a contribution to her community and her family.
Gerry & Family,
We were so saddened to learn of Marlene’s passing. From our Northridge days, couples bridge, through Marlene as pianist with the Earle Terry Singers and on, we have kept close contact with Marlene, Gerry and the kids. What an amazing talent! Always a big smile, lots of laughter, and huge kindness, she’ll always be remembered with fondness. Our deepest condolences.
Deepest sympathies to you Gerry, and to all your family. I have many fond and grateful memories of being in Fanshawe Chorus London where I experienced Marlene’s great gifts of music and management. But mostly I valued her wisdom, warmth and wit. I’m so glad that I knew her. Take good care Gerry. Noella Armstrong
Gerry and family. Marlene a beautiful lady! Our thoughts are with you.
Jack and Sandy Snelgrove
Dear Gerry & Family.
You have indeed lost your “matriarch” as well as your awesome wife, mom, grandma, great grandma and not only that but all of us who ever knew Marlene feel a deep sense of sadness because she meant so much to so many.It is with deep respect and joy that we remember her awesome musical talents and her drive for excellence in all we did musically together, but also how she appreciated along wit Gerry a lot of our mediocre musical talents as long as we tried hard.It’s the latter gift she had that stands out ,for love of people and her amazing talent to bring out the best in even a “mob choir”:).So thanks Marlene (Gerry) for the gifts you shared with us for so many years.Our lives have been greatly enriched because of you! God’s peace and comfort to all of you in the time to ahead.
We are sorry to hear of the passing of dear Marlene. She was one amazing woman. Our sympathy goes out to your entire wonderful family
My heart goes out to Gerry and family on hearing of Marlene’s passing. She was such a warm, bright soul who made everyone feel special. She was so gifted , and was the glue in so many musical performances over the years! London has lost such a major talent, and a wonderful person – she will be greatly missed by so many of us. I am so sorry to hear that she is gone.
I am so sorry to hear of Marlene’s passing! My heartfelt condolences to the family! She will be remembered as a Grand Lady with tremendous inspiration not only for music but for the love of life and family.
Gerald and family,
I had the pleasure of meeting Marlene while being involved with the Heritage Quilt show in Exeter. I could see how special she was to you, Gerald and the rest of your family. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Dear Louise,
I was so sorry to read of your mother’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences.
💐 Such a wonderful and fulfilled life so beautifully described in her obituary. My thoughts are with you, Louise and your entire family at the sad a lonely time. Best wishes Rosemary
Dear Gerry, Judy and family,
So sorry to hear of Marlene’s passing. I will always remember her perfect pitch in the music room at LDSS and our catching up at UH.
John
We were so saddened to hear of Marlene’s passing. Gerry, may you be comforted from all your many memories of good times together and in knowing that others care.
Her life hit such beautiful notes. Her mischievous smile, her warmth and wit graced our lives. Her rendition of ‘Easter Parade,’ played for our family Easter celebration, will be enjoyed for years to come. Avec amitié, Denyse & Larry
So sorry to hear of Marlene’s passing. Many thanks for the countless performances that we collaborated on. She was always encouraging with her optimism!
Our thoughts & condolences to all the family during this sad & difficult time! Marlene was such a wonderful person and will be missed by anyone that knew her.
Hey Gerald – very sorry to hear of Marlene’s passing- we all know what a special person she was – I w as hoping to come for your memorial services but unfortunately we planned a gathering in Canmore for all our children & grandchildren to celebrate Cathy’s 65th & my 80th at that time – take care de
Dear Gerry, Louise, Leslie and family,
Marlene will be remembered for her infectious smile followed by her full bodied laugh and witty retorts. Her love of her family, music and the arts in partnership with Gerry left a tremendous legacy. Bill and I were blessed to count Marlene as an esteemed colleague and mentor. We are holding you close in our hearts and prayers. “May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
To Gerald and family. My sincere condolences on Marlene’s passing. Having been a member of the London Fanshawe Symphonic Chorus for many years, I had the privilege of seeing this remarkable lady showing her capable musicianship and enthusiasm every week. She was such an integral part of the choir. Always friendly, and willing to say hello. I have such fond memories from that time. Rest in peace, Marlene. You will keep the angels singing well, with your gift of perfect pitch.
Dear Gerry …
I am deeply honoured to have known Marlene while I was a member of the Fanshawe Chorus London. She was a musical force to be reckoned with, as evidenced by her acceptance performance at the Women of Distinction awards dinner. Her brilliant performance brought the room to its feet.She was truly a woman of inspiration, strength, courage and humility.
She was one of my mentors…for that I am grateful.
Dear Jerry,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Sadly, I shall be abroad during the days of her mourning and celebration of her rich life. May her memory be from generation to generation.
Love, Lisa Saika