1950 ~ 2012
Marilyn was born in December 1950, at the Royal Columbian Hospital. She died on October 22, 2012 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Sechelt, after a brief final battle with cancer. Her parents and siblings were with her for the two weeks she was in the hospital. Her cousin Carol was also here for support, as well as friends and colleagues. Marilyn’s sister Val was holding her hand at the end.
Marilyn spent most of her early years in Coquitlam, where she graduated from Centennial High School in 1968. She loved school, and if the situation had presented itself, would have been a life-long scholar. After graduating, Marilyn moved to Victoria, where she lived for many years. While in Victoria, Marilyn married, and she and her husband moved to Madeira Park. She worked at the Madeira Park Credit Union for several years. When her marriage ended, Marilyn had the courage to follow her dream of becoming a teacher, and moved back to Victoria, where she received her B.Ed. at UVic, in 1988. After graduation, Marilyn moved back to the Sunshine Coast, where she taught for 25 years, 20 of them at Elphinstone Secondary. Many students will remember hanging out in Miss Farrell’s classroom at lunchtime, or enjoying movies from her vast video vault at Film Club. Due to health reasons, Marilyn quit teaching at age 60, and was enjoying her retirement.
Marilyn didn’t travel a lot, but was able to visit Ireland, which is something that she had always wanted to do. She also went on a couple of road trips, including a memorable one to California.
Marilyn loved her family and friends. She also loved books, music, movies, L.O.T.R., The Big Bang Theory, James Dean, James Taylor, Keaunu and Viggo, lattés, genealogy, knitting and Avon.
Marilyn is survived by her parents Jack and Lou; siblings Mark (Shirley), Val, Barry (Kerri) and Kevin (Kristy); nephews and nieces Jack, Ingrid, Chelsey, Brandon, Kaitlyn and Sean; and great nieces and nephews Chase, Sage and Maddison.
The family would like to extend thanks to the nurses and care aides at St. Mary’s as well as Dr. Farrer, Dr. Wadge and Dr. Kellett. Special thanks to Catt, who is a nurse at St. Mary’s and also a good friend of the family. She helped in so many ways.
An open house to celebrate Marilyn’s life will be held on Saturday, November 10, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at 7943 Southwood Road, Halfmoon Bay.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer Society or St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary would be appreciated.