Marilyn June Jones

Marilyn was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Her family moved to Vancouver when she was 5 years old. Her parents noticed at an early age her interest and aptitude for both music and sports. At age 7, she began dance and piano lessons. In her teens, she often played the piano for her friends to enjoy. She began to search for another instrument that she might enjoy playing as well as the piano. Luckily for us, she chose the cello and studied under Audrey Pigget, who in 1950 sold Marilyn her special Gagliano cello. Her love of playing both the piano and cello continued throughout her entire life.

Marilyn met her husband Ray on a blind date in March 1954, only to discover he had also been born in Moose Jaw and they had played together as children. In the fall of 1954, she completed Nurses training at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. They married in 1955 and raised two children, Ken and Cindy.

Marilyn continued her nursing and in her spare time, continued to participate in many activities including tennis, golf and curling. Her other interests included petit point, gardening and a good game of cards.

Marilyn was a dedicated wife and mother. The family moved extensively throughout Ray’s working career from Vancouver to Calgary then back to Vancouver and finally settling in Victoria in 1972.

As her children became more independent, Marilyn sought many opportunities to play her cello including a trio, the Oak Bay Orchestra and the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Cello Orchestra.

Marilyn ensured her lifelong treasured cello would continue to be played and enjoyed. She was delighted to gift it to the School of Music at the University of Victoria in 2021. She also made a donation to the University to support the continuing maintenance of the cello and string instruments. It is named the Marilyn June Jones Cello Fund.

She was predeceased by her beloved daughter Cindy Jones (2016). Survived by her loving husband of 67 years: Ray Jones, her cherished son, Ken Jones (Paula), precious granddaughters, Valerie Mytroen (James) and Samantha Fausset and great-grandchildren, Maverick and Nash Mytroen as well as extended family.

The family is very grateful to the staff and nurses at Aberdeen Hospital for their care of Marilyn for the last few months.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Memorial Funeral Services, 4725 Falaise Drive on Monday, June 27th at 10 am with reception to follow and internment at Royal Oak Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marilyn June Jones Cello Fund, University of Victoria or to a charity of your choice.