Born May 11, 1954 passed away peacefully May 9, 2014 at home with her husband by her side after a two-year battle with breast cancer.
Born in Burnaby, BC, Marilyn attended Annieville Elementary and graduated from North Delta Senior Secondary in 1972.
Predeceased by her father Sidney Read in 1997, her mother Gudrun Read in 2011, uncles Arnold (2002) and Mel Gustafson (2010).
Survived by her loving and caring husband Keith, her children Michael (Leanne), Stephen, Christine (Steve) and her grandchildren Michayla, Anaia and Linden; all whom she loved dearly. She will be sorely missed by Tayo and Grandmother Runsewe, also her sisters Bev, Joyce, Norma and Pam, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Marilyn will also be missed by her fur babies Tippy and Mitzy.
Marilyn and Keith met early in 1974 and were married a short 3 months later in April. They purchased their first home on Gull Avenue in Comox, BC in June 1974 and their first child Michael was welcomed in April 1976, followed by their son Stephen in 1977 and the long-awaited arrival of their beautiful daughter Christine in 1979.
Marilyn started her career with St. Joseph’s General Hospital in 1986 as a housekeeper; she was promoted to Acting Housekeeping Supervisor, and ended her work term as a shipping and receiving clerk in 2001 due a permanent disability. From 1992-1997, through her employment at St. Joseph’s, she completed several management courses. Among these a medical terminology course in which she received a final mark of 93%. She found her work at the hospital to be rewarding and developed special friendships with her fellow employees, Andy, Corrina, Sandra (thanks for the hugs) and Patsy, to name a few.
Among her accomplishments was her volunteer work with the Orton-Gillingham Program at Brooklyn Elementary School which assists students with learning difficulties, her beautiful garden, her bowling score, her status as #1 Fan at Keith’s softball games in Arizona, and her “Gopher Trophy” she won for being such a great helper. She was also a member of “Field’s Sawmills” women’s softball team coached by her husband “Coach Honey”. Mare was also instrumental in supporting her husband in the family business venture Shamrock Fencing.
Marilyn enjoyed the warmth of the Arizona sun as it was incredibly therapeutic. She always looked forward to her annual visits with Christine and her family in the spring. Known for her infectious laugh, Marilyn was deeply loved and respected by all that knew her. She was so proud to be a part of Christine and Steve’s wedding in Courtenay, BC in 2007, and able to attend Michael and Leanne’s wedding this past January in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Being at home allowed Marilyn’s family the opportunity to be by her side during her last few days, giving friends a chance to also say goodbye.
A special thank you goes to our family doctor, Dr. Doug Anderson, as well as the compassionate care provided by her home care nurse Sandra. Marilyn’s wish to be at home was supported by the Comox Valley Hospice Society.
Donations to the Comox Valley Hospice Society or the BC Cancer Agency in Marilyn’s name are greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers. A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 17, 2014 at 1pm at the D’Esterre House in Comox, BC.