Perry, Marilyn Shirley, 78, died on Sunday morning, March 11, surrounded by family. Marilyn was born in Hamilton, Ontario on June 22, 1939—the first of two daughters to Ralph and Olive Wilson (nee McGarrie). Marilyn is survived by her sister Jane, her children Lynda, Jeff (Paula), Brenda (Greg), Cheryl (David), and her 8 grandchildren: Ana Luz, Lupita, Annalise, Lauren, Lindsay, Nathanael, Caitlyn and Ailie. Marilyn was an active member of the United Church her entire life. Her leadership began early on—as a camp counsellor and CGIT leader, a path that eventually led to her work in Christian Education and her part in the ground-breaking work of the Regina Presbytery Lectionary Curriculum. When Wood Lake Books in Winfield, BC began publishing the curriculum as The Whole People of God in 1987, Marilyn became its first editor. In 1990 Marilyn received an honourary Doctorate of Divinity from St. Stephen’s Theological College in Alberta in recognition of this pioneering work. Marilyn is remembered for her tireless work in education, refugee sponsorship, social justice, her involvement in politics and women’s issues. In retirement she has enjoyed many trips with friends and especially time with friends and family at her cottage on Mabel Lake where she loved jigsaw puzzles, good food, card games, floating on the lake, and daily happy hour. Marilyn was diagnosed with ALS in November. We are especially grateful to the ALS Society of BC and the local team who offered not only equipment and professional expertise but compassion, comfort, and ease with some of the most difficult parts of her physical journey to the end of life. Marilyn’s life touched so many others in such profound ways, some we are sure we will never know because of the person she was. A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at First United Church , 721 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC on Thursday April 19 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers a donation to a charity Marilyn supported would be appreciated. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com. Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299
