Remembering Marleen

“Marleen was someone who never let things affect her.  She was someone who chose not to show it on her face even if it did. Her ever-smiling face was a 

refection of her heart.

Marleen was poetry: Bold, Bright, Loving and

Timeless.” – Vanessa (GIS)

“I will always remember her passions, from Toni Braxton, Goosebumps to her favorite banku and okro stew.

She always brought out the best in me and will be missed” – Leila(GIS)

“My fondest memory of you Marleen is from 2013. After Mawuena and I got married, we became co-owners of a wonderful shih-tzu that you named ‘Oki’.

Those were some fun times; exchanging notes on how to be dog-moms and sharing this passion. Through this, we also shared some intimate moments where you opened up and I did as well.

At the time, it was so helpful and needed. I remember the time when you randomly called me to

pray for me. I was so touched and surprised. I will cherish these memories so fondly.

Sleep well dear friend.” – Love, Patti.

“Marleen: free-spirited, loved to laugh, and had a carefree attitude. I’ll always remember our after-school rides and her dances and singing.

​

Earth has lost a beautiful soul but Heaven has gained one.

We will miss you.” – Barbara (GIS)

“I remember Marleen in art class. I went over to look at her painting one time, and it was of Jesus worshiping the devil.

​

I found out that the theme was ‘chaos’. I learnt a lot about myself, Marleen and life that day.” – Vako

“Marleen, you were cool, sexy and crazy!

Unashamedly yourself in every way! Rest well my friend, till we meet again.”

– Adwoa

Marleen was a sweet Soul, very supportive and makes one of the best cakes.

Her love for God and people was just admirable.

You are dearly missed, Marleen. LOVE YOU ❤ Gloria

At DreamOval's end-of-year party two years ago, we had a karaoke session and Marleen chose Montell Jordan's "This is how we do it".

Her energy just had us all singing, so when she pointed the mic to us to sing along with her........we all just joined in. We'll miss you!

I am not sure if the year was 2018 or 2019 but it was Claud's birthday and you brought this homemade lemon cake to the office which I crave for till today.

I remember asking you about its preparation and you explained in detail and added the fact that your kitchen looked like a tornado had blown through because of the cake. - Sherrie

Marleen and I had a special connection, we both have 2 beautiful girls, we love Jesus, the beach ⛱ and our favourite holiday region in Ghana is Takoradi...alike in soo many ways.

Our love for Tadi drew us together via IG where Marleen would give me the scoop on the best hotels and where to get good food in T'adi.  Was looking forward to spending quality time together with our girls and even going on a family trip someday.

I was soo gutted when I heard of your sudden demise 😢 ...leaving behind the girls! Claud!...hmmm God knows best...selah! Sleep well my beautiful friend and sister 💕. Rosie

Dear Marleen, Your leaving at this time is a big shock to me and I am sure so many others. Undeniably, you were a soul that lived the high standard for God and Family. Armed with your convictions, you pursued life with envious diligence and engraved your beautiful persona on so many people, in many ways.

From being on TV as Lois in the youth drama "Things we do for love," where I first got to see you, there was no doubt that God carved you differently from many others, endowing you with stunning beauty and talent. Over time, through Claud, I got to know you and had the opportunity to work with you as you helped shape the DreamOval Foundation during its inception stage.

Your work ethic, organisational skills, and your genuine desire to impact people's life meaningfully contributed to helping more than 500 teachers plus tens of thousands of young pupils be equipped with digital skills. If I know one thing, I know you were committed to your family and dedicated your time to building a great one.

Today I write of you, a memory meant for 100 years from now. Today, I mourn you, at a moment meant for years when we are withered. Today, I recollect days shared and impacts you have made, when in reality, I had wished such moments would be saved for the latter days of our lives. I know, Claud, and those who loved you and also the people you cherished dearly, are having a tough time, reconciling the times. It is truly crazy to think of it. But then, I know God has a bigger purpose for you.

I believe a host of angels and saints have encamped, by the heavenly fire, singing hymns of joy to welcome you through heavens pearly gates. Rest in Peace Marleen! - Derrydean

Marleen and I became friends when our daughters became friends from school. She was the best person to talk to about parenting.

She was full of great ideas and always ready to share. I never felt alone in my motherhood struggles because Marleen was always there to share in my fears. I literally will call her about everything concerning our daughters.

I will miss you dearly my friend. Rest in perfect peace till we meet in heaven. - Samira

I remember our conversation when you told me you had accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour! It's one of my fondest memories of you.

You were truly happy and fulfilled. Beautiful Marleen. You are so incredibly missed.

Keep our Heavenly Father company till we meet again. - Rebekah

We have not been in touch in years. I was just happy for you from a distance. I kept wondering why do I feel something is missing in my memory. Then I just remembered.

You are in my fondest memories of the Fench trip. I just found one of the pictures we took, inside Notre Dame.

We hung out in a group together with Anne Theodora and Naa. We also bumped into each other after school on the N1 roundabout heading to Achimota I remember how we happily waved each other. - Ella (GIS)

Marleen oh Marleen when I shall behold my lovely, Vivacious and the girl full of useful exuberance.

​

When you see Marleen she’s calm and demure but behind and within the soul of this girl is an artistic creation. She could full around with the rest of her mates but when it comes to classwork, is a good student.

​

Marleen was in the form four class of very difficult students to handle at Ghana International School. (The type of children that teachers can wake up with feverish nightmares after one lesson).

​

I thought them dramatic literature for example plays from William Shakespeare and African playwrights.

Marleen would arrive in the classroom looking very calm and attentive but within minutes she had already planted “Notes” into the desk of the boys for them to play some mischief or the girls trying to hide lipsticks and lip-gloss in their pencil cases.

​

Other teachers gave them sweets and chocolates to win them over, but I used drama as therapy with these young people. One day, Mrs. Sawyerr was on her usual rounds during lessons, found that my classroom was very quiet so she walked in. To her surprise, all the heads of the students were on the desk and they were having a “dream-like” experience. On waking up they could use “Expressive Arts Therapy” for example they could moan and groan stretch out into expressive moments etc….

When all this was over everyone would sit quietly for the Shakespeare play to begin. It was then “Julius Cesar”, and later on we did “Romeo and Juliet”.

She was a brilliant actress and a joy to see on stage and on the cinema screen.

​

Wallace Banpoe-Addo and I planned to put her in the famous TV series-“Ultimate Paradise” which I was also starring in, but we discovered that she was already in the cast of “Things People do for love”. Marleen was a kindred spirit, the soul of the party. Without her, things would be very dull.

Marleen Rest in Devine Peace - your Drama Teacher Mrs. Dove

Oh, Marleen!!! For the past couple of weeks, I have really found it so hard to process your passing. It's like waking to a nightmare that will never end.

But may God give us grace and comfort in these times. You were a good friend, a good cheer, and such a perfectionist when it comes to creativity. I will miss you. Rest well till we meet again.

Always in my heart. Take care, my friend. - Walter

Marleen was the life and fun of every event and of life itself. Though gone, her warmth of welcoming smile, charm, and brilliance will forever be with us in resonance.
Fare Thee well Angel! - Paa Kwesi (Kwesi Nfoni)