Obituary of Marlene Mitchelmore

Marlene Mitchelmore (nee Cameron) passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering on Saturday May 9^th, 2026. Marlene was the loving wife to Ken Mitchelmore and an inspiring mother to Cameron and Aidan of Toronto. Marlene was the cherished sister to David Cameron (Margaret) of Peterborough, the beloved aunt to Thomas Cameron, and the loved niece of Judy Williams (Gary) (nee Stark).

Marlene was born in Lindsay Ontario, on June 12^th, 1955. She was the first child of Wilma and Hugh Cameron, who raised her in Woodville. Some of Marlene’s earliest memories include having a ‘Tea Party’ with her grandfather Alex Cameron, and playing with the family cat, Tuffy. Wilma and Hugh were the type of parents who kept busy - often taking Marlene and her younger brother David camping in Algonquin and Balsam Lake, as well as numerous road trips across Canada. Growing up, Marlene witnessed her father’s talent and passion for home building – a career that moved the family through many unique homes throughout Woodville during her childhood. Combined with an exposure to textiles and sewing through her mother and wider family, Marlene developed a passion for Interior Design.

After finishing high school, Marlene moved from Woodville to the heart of Toronto to pursue a Bachelor of Interior Design at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University). Marlene made many memories in Toronto. A few highlights include living with close and lifelong friends from the Kawarthas and working on wild and wonderful projects at university. She often told the story of how she had to create an ‘inflatable room’ – made by heat-welding thin sheets of plastic. To achieve this, Marlene walked across the street and politely asked the staff at ‘Sam the Record Man’ if she could borrow their record-bag sealer. The staff agreed on the condition it be returned before they opened early the following morning. As Marlene was planning to work all night next door anyway, that wasn’t a problem.

As Marlene finished her degree, she made another lifelong memory after meeting Ken Mitchelmore at the Brunswick House on Bloor Street. Ken, making his way across the world after departing from Australia, briefly met Marlene on a stop in Toronto. He returned a few months later, just for Marlene, to start what became a lifelong love, marriage, and journey through parenthood. After spending some time in Toronto and Woodville, Ken and Marlene eloped at Toronto City Hall. Soon afterwards they made the decision to move to Ken’s hometown, Sydney Australia in 1980.

Despite Marlene’s fear of bugs and spiders, she quickly found her footing in Australia. Building on her experience working in Toronto’s textile shops (Sheldon’s Textiles), she found a job she loved at Marrs Fabrics – where she worked her way through the business, at one time taking on the role of acting CEO. At Ken’s suggestion, Marlene applied for a role as an Interior Designer for the Australian Government. She got the job and worked in the same building as Ken for many years.

Marlene thrived professionally, and completed many high-profile projects, including office interiors for former Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawk. Marlene eventually left her job with a few coworkers, to start a new company – Design X. Their company was flooded with exciting projects and clients. Marlene was particularly proud to be part of the interiors team to deliver the Syndey Harbour Casino – a billion-dollar project that featured a replica of a volcano. Marlene loved this work, and she would often tell stories and adventures relating to office life.

Marlene was full of energy and care. She always ‘put in the effort’ in everything she did. Her personal life was no exception. After arriving in Australia, Marlene was quickly welcomed into Ken’s family.  Marlene and Ken made many visits to Australia’s beautiful beaches. They enjoyed travel, friends, and several fabulous parties in Sydney during the 1980s.

Before long, Ken and Marlene had decided to grow their family, giving their parents their first grandchild on June 6^th, 1988. As a condition for taking Ken’s last name, Cameron took Marlene’s maiden name. On July 29^th, 1991, Cameron was given a younger brother Aidan.

Marlene and Ken worked hard to give their children a great life - family and motherhood was very important to Marlene. In the early 90s, Marlene put her reservations about Australia’s flora and fauna aside to volunteer as a guide for the Boy Scouts, giving Cameron the chance to participate when there were too few troop leaders.  She declined the traditional khakis uniform in favour of black, business-causal attire. She eagerly learned about bushcraft and chaperoned many mud obstacle courses at Boy Scout Jamborees.

Marlene made sure Cameron and Aidan received ‘Canadian’ experiences while in Australia. As Halloween wasn’t celebrated in Australia in the 90s, she carved watermelons in lieu of pumpkins, and she sewed and glued unique Halloween costumes for her kids. Both boys learned to skate and play hockey on one of the few ice rinks in Australia, and real maple syrup was a regular condiment for pancake breakfasts.

The family enjoyed many travels across Australia, including a memorable trip to the outback, before Marlene and Ken decided to move back to Woodville in 1998. Upon arrival, they asked Hugh to build a house with Ken for their family and raised their children close to their Canadian grandparents. Marlene loved her home and has lived there since it was built – filling it with cherished memories over the last three decades.

Upon returning to Canada, Marlene’s career took her to Toronto - where she worked as an Interior Designer, and to Kingston Ontario – where she worked for Queen’s University. Most recently, Marlene worked at Georgian College as a full-time professor of Interior Design for Georgian’s Degree Program and briefly served as the program Coordinator. She also created Georgian’s Decorating Program, and the Kitchen and Bath Program. Marlene loved teaching, meeting, and mentoring all her students. In 2014, she received Georgian College’s Board of Governors’ Employee Entrepreneurial Award for her outstanding contributions.

She was always there for everyone who knew her. She loved to give gifts - making sure to wrap them as extravagantly as possible. She was always there to listen, offer advice, and talk with anyone who needed it.

She raised her children with an abundance of love, generosity, empathy, understanding and support. Marlene and Ken shaped Aidan and Cameron’s lives profoundly, encouraging them to pursue their dreams from the time they were infants though to adulthood. Marlene was her children’s biggest cheerleader through every step of their journey. As a mother, she was never disappointed, always proud, and ensured her children knew it every time they spoke.

Marlene did not waste a moment. She was constantly working on sewing projects with her mother, building furniture with her father, taking on projects and jobs around the house, and planning travels and adventures with her family. Recent trips took her on a cruise to Alaska, a 3-week road trip throughout the United States, and special trip to visit Falling Water with Ken, Cameron and Aidan.

Marlene led a perfect example of friendship and motherhood throughout her life. She and Ken enjoyed a loving marriage that took them across the world and back - providing their children with an amazing childhood. Throughout an ambitious and varied interior design career spanning cities and continents, she inspired her children with a deep understanding of values and priorities. Marlene demonstrated love, kindness, and the importance of family. Her loyal, optimistic spirit and her light-hearted sense of humour will live on in everyone who knew her. She made the most of every moment, and while her family deeply wished to have had more time with her, they have absolutely no regrets.

Interment at Smith’s Cemetery in Woodville. A celebration of her life has been planned for everyone on Sunday, June 14^th from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Woodville Legion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation (www.aphfoundation.ca). Please leave a comment indicating the funds be given to the Intensive Care Unit, in Marlene’s memory. Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.thornefuneralhome.ca

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