March 19, 2020
Marilyn passed away in Ty Watson House on the first day of Spring, March 19, at the age of 82. Although beaten 41 years sgo, cancer had silently returned with a vengeance.
She is survived by Wayne, her devoted husband of 58 years, daughter Katherine Wagner (Manfred), son Michael, and granddaughter Evangeline Wagner.
Marilyn was born in Toronto in April 1937. After WW II her parents moved to Vancouver where she continued taking piano lessons, competing in festivals, playing pipe organ in church; and flute while attending John Oliver High School. She earned her A.R.C.T. Piano from U of T in 1957, then a B.H.E. from UBC in 1959. She began teaching Home Economics at Gladstone High in September 1960. Married Wayne in June 1961. Continued teaching another four years (Templeton Secondary) while Wayne did graduate studies in chemistry at UBC. Then quit to start a family.
We came to Port Alberni in 1973, Marilyn to teach at A.W.Neill JS, and Wayne at ADSS. Marilyn took early retirement in 1981 because of post cancer depression. But she continued to cook (working through the 'Joy of Cooking') and learned to bake bread (wore out 2 heavy duty mixers). She also continued sewing & knitting; and took up patchwork quilting along with BFF Isabel Parker. She really enjoyed going to (and sometimes exhibiting at) quilt shows with Isabel. One year they even drove (with husbands) to a show in Sisters Oregon.
A Celebration of Life will held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation (money or supplies) to Alberni Valley Hospice Society.