Marie-Luise, “Marlies”, was born on March 8th, 1929 to Hedwig and Julius Lüken in Hannover, Germany. She was an only child.
 She married Erich Wirsching on April 22nd, 1953. They immigrated to Canada and lived in Edmonton, Alberta. The couple had a daughter, Patricia, in 1956. Erich’s work meant that they moved many times. They lived in Edmonton, Swift River, Beaver Creek, Whitehorse, Dawson Creek, and Hay River, where she met her best friend, Anne. Erich and Marlies enjoyed travelling and camping. They spent many summers in Haines, Alaska. The couple also travelled down the West Coast, into Alaska, to Mexico, and to Maui.

Marlies enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting, cooking, singing, swimming, camping, gardening, and travelling. She was an active member of the Whitehorse Hospital Auxiliary and Royal Purple. The City of Whitehorse honored Marlies for her work as a volunteer. She was devoted to her family and pet dogs. The last years of her life were spent at the Thomson Centre where she was well cared for by the kind staff.

She is survived by her daughter Patricia, son-in-law Ken, and granddaughter Megan (Ian). Marlies (“Oma”) is missed by her family and dear friends. She passed away peacefully on September 22nd, 2020.

Marlies was laid to rest beside her beloved husband Erich at Grey Mountain Cemetery following a private family service.