

Marilyn was born on March 12, 1938 in Vancouver. She was the granddaughter of architect Andrew Lamb Mercer, daughter of Jack Mercer and Helen Walker Mercer Ritchie, and younger sister to John Mercer. After graduating from Crofton House School, she enrolled in UBC, where she obtained her teaching degree.
In 1964, after teaching in Richmond, BC and Minneapolis, Minnesota, she married David Shore and moved to 100 Mile House and then Williams Lake, where she worked at Marie Sharpe Elementary School as a teacher and administrator. She frequently commented on how privileged she felt to have been able to follow her passion of working with children.
Marilyn greatly enjoyed adventures. She rode horses, played tennis, water-skied, swam, golfed, cycled, and hiked. She often spoke of her around-the-world trip with an aunt and her holidays to California and Oregon. After retiring and moving to White Rock, she enjoyed many winters in Hawai’i and celebrated her eightieth birthday with a trip to the Maritimes. She went for a daily walk until the last week of her life.
Her most remarkable gift was making people feel special. Marilyn regularly sent greeting cards filled with warm messages and decorated with cheerful stickers. She loved hearing people’s stories, and they appreciated her listening ear, wise counsel, and cheeky sense of humour.
Marilyn was predeceased by her parents, her ex-husband, and her friend Judy Robertson. She is survived by numerous friends and relatives.
Much gratitude is extended to Dr. Derek Lowe, her physician for over twenty years, and to Trillium-Bevan Village in Abbotsford where she lived for the last months of her life.
Marilyn often said, “I love my life. I am so blessed.” Her gracious presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. A celebration of her life will be held this fall; details available from [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Palliative Care Unit at Peace Arch Hospital and the Salvation Army would be appreciated.
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