Marilyn Ann McConnell

Marilyn Ann McConnell (nee Misner) passed away at Nanaimo Regional Hospital April 29, 2023 in her 76th year. Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband Darryl McConnell of Campbell River, BC, son Brent (Jessica) of Quadra Island, daughter Colleen (Eugene Migus) of Salt Spring Island, grandchildren Alexander and Daniel Migus, Marina Sage and Lochlan McConnell, brother Melvyn Misner (Anne) and niece Lara of Oakville, ON,, mother-in-law Doreen (Peggy) McConnell, brother-in-law Jim Scott, nieces Vicki Murakami (Jeff) and Cindy Honey (Mike), and brother-in-law Brian McConnell of Calgary, sister-in-law Susan Nanni (Carl), nephews David (Erin) and Kevin Nanni, of Toronto. Extended family includes three great nephews, a great niece and many cousins particularly in Alberta.

Marilyn was predeceased by her parents, Glen Misner and Lydia Misner (Winick), her father-in-law Teddy McConnell, and her sister-in-law Darlene Scott (nee McConnell) of Calgary.

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Marilyn was a wife and mother dedicated to the wellbeing of her husband and their children wherever their life’s journey took them. She was a beautiful young bride in Selkirk, Manitoba and a young mother in Ottawa, Ontario and Richmond, BC, guided her children though their teenage years in Calgary. She was the Rock of Gibraltar, going way above and beyond in her support for her husband in his educational and career aspirations. And she lived her empty-nest years with Darryl in the Toronto area until they moved to their retirement dream in Campbell River, B.C. in 2020.

She took pleasure in many hours spent with her beloved animals including Jack, Tiggy and invested particular effort in Muffin, her Dandy Dinmont Terrior that she handled to her Championship. She enjoyed cooking and baking, knitting and crafting, and was an accomplished tailor and seamstress, having completed several certificate programs at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. She was well experienced in design, renovation, and decoration, transforming each of their various houses into a warm and welcoming family home.

In Calgary, Marilyn was employed in the oil industry working with engineering professionals in the production of technical manuals, some of which were ultimately published in book form. In Toronto, she worked with senior executives in the banking industry, in executive assistant positions with broad responsibilities including time spent training staff in New York City.

Marilyn retired early to spend more time with her grandchildren, and, with Darryl, travelled extensively. Together they walked on 5 continents, stood upon the shores of 4 oceans and crossed the Atlantic by sea on three occasions. After cajoling Darryl into dance lessons, she delighted in waltzing across the Atlantic Ocean with her life’s companion. She particularly enjoyed Iceland, Yellowstone National Park and the Caribbean and anywhere Darryl was going.

A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held in Calgary on July 30, 2023. We will post the details of the time and place of the celebration upon confirmation of the specific location in Calgary. Private family interment will take place at a later date. For family and friends wishing to express their condolences, in lieu of flowers we would suggest donations to the Canadian Kidney Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice, any of which would be appreciated by the family.