Marilyn Jean Pley

Marilyn was born October 24,1948 in Port Alberni, British Columbia. She passed away on May 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at West Coast General Hospital. Predeceased by her parents Delores and Bert Zambon, brothers David, and Kelvin Zambon. She leaves behind to mourn her passing: her husband Paul, children: Laura Jungenkrueger (Rod), Sarah Williams (Gordon), Jennifer Pley (Darren), Kenneth Pley, Diane Pley, and Jonathan Pley. Grandchildren: Lacey Henstridge, Jenelle Chipman (Brady), Nolan Jungenkrueger, Pallas Williams, Paul and Everly Lentz. Great grandchild Benjamin Currie and her sister Sherry Meunier (Stacey, Aaron, Rhonda) as well as numerous nieces and nephews and other beloved friends, relatives & church community. Not to forget her adored animal companions: Abbie, Kurt & Emma.

Marilyn was born in Port Alberni, but moved to Diamond City, Alberta to farm and eventually returned to Port Alberni when she was 12 years old. She worked at the Woodwards food floor as the head cashier where she met her husband Paul Pley who worked then in the appliance department. After a six-month courtship Marilyn and Paul were married. Paul becoming a husband and instant father to Marilyn’s 10 year old daughter Laura. After 2 additional years of working at Woodwards, Marilyn told Paul of her wishes to grow their family and in the course of the following 9 years she bore 5 more children.

Marilyn was involved with Women’s Aglow ministries as President of the Port Alberni chapter at one point. She also led Boys & Girls Club and Missionettes at Elim Tabernacle Church and taught Sunday School there as well. Marilyn had a strong heart of faith; she was a passionate student of the Scriptures and accumulated an extensive Christian library and bible collection. Marilyn’s heart was to spread the love of God,the power of prayer, and the gift of salvation offered to all.

In her youth Marilyn was an adventurous hiker, camper and explorer. She was proud to have climbed Forbidden Plateau, Mt. Klitsa and Mt. Arrowsmith. This interest was evident in her appreciation of survival and outdoor lifestyle shows and many summers spent camping with family around Vancouver Island. Marilyn had the heart of an artist dabbling in painting, music, gardening, needlework, and baking. Her love of baking found an outlet at Quality Foods where she worked in the bakery decorating cakes for over 10 years. Most recently Marilyn was part of Sacred Harmony a country gospel band with her husband Paul and friends Joe & Marion Massop. Sacred Harmony toured Alberta and British Columbia with Marilyn offering intercessory prayer and pastoral care.

Marilyn lived her life for Jesus and her family. She had a passionate heart of love and strong desire to maintain family bonds which she protected fiercely. Her contagious laughter, vivacious and gregarious personality and amusing sense of humour will be affectionately remembered.

Marilyn’s last words were for us to rejoice! “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phillipeans 4:4-7

There will be a celebration of life for Marilyn on June 8 at 1 pm at Jericho Road Church 5100 Tebo Ave Port Alberni B.C.

Condolences may be offered at www.chapelofmemories.ca