Marlene AnneHARDINGMarlene passed away very peacefully and full of love on 17 January 2026 after a slow decline since her stroke in 2020. She was surrounded by her immediate family, including her loving husband John Harding, nephew Adam Collins and cousin Lorraine Ratcliffe.
Marlene lived a big life with fortitude and grace.
Marlene Anne Hickery was born at the height of WWII in 1941 in Bristol, to 'Nell' Ellen (nee Ratcliffe) and 'Encher' Henry. She married John Harding, with them celebrating 66 devoted years together this month. They created the 1960s Three Horseshoes pub phenomenon in Bristol's Old Market before emigrating to Perth with their two young boys Mark and Nathan in 1969. They commissioned Swan Hotels across Western Australia as trouble shooting managers during the pioneering 70s, before returning to the UK to be with family where together they ran their own packaging business. Settling back in Perth from the 90s, they ran their successful food service business (Guys) before Marlene and her family built our tourism businesses (Discover West Holidays, Discover Australia Holidays & HolidayMax). Over the last two decades Marlene became a doyen of the tourism industry.
Marlene's strong family values made her an adoring mother to Mark and Nathan, grandmother to Blair and Harry, and mother-in-law to Michelle and Nick.
She was the last of her family generation, loving sister to Harry, Nelly and Sheila.
She touched countless lives with the depth of her love and will be forever missed. Marlene was the most extraordinary wife, mother and grandmother.
Good night and god bless from John; Mark, Michelle, Harry & Blair; and Nathan & Nick.
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