Peacefully, but unexpectedly, Marilyn passed away in hospital after a few months of failing health. A woman who charted her own path and guarded her privacy, she valiantly endured this journey with her close family, fully expecting to return home in due course. That was not to be and we are left to accept that she is in a better place.
Marilyn was born and raised in Quesnel, B.C., in a large family of four boys and four girls. Growing up in a busy household, she learned to be resourceful and independent. After high school, she moved to Victoria to spread her wings and find her way. Victoria would become home and, after various jobs, she settled into a long career with the Liquor Control Board. She worked in many branches, including Hatley Park and Borden Street, until retirement.
Upon retirement, she and her husband Ed enjoyed some travelling adventures and cruising. A pivotal moment in her life came in 2010 when Ed passed away and she was left heartbroken, wondering how life could possibly continue after almost 40 years of marriage.
Her strength and resourcefulness came to the fore as she found her way forward, moved into her new condo and picked up the pieces to continue her life without Ed. She connected with friends and family and travelled, including a cherished sisters' trip to Maui. She read copious books and watched the happenings at Esquimalt Lagoon.
She enjoyed her favourite TV shows and became a fixture at her local restaurants. She enjoyed her weekly lottery purchases and was a fruitful winner more than once. Marilyn had a passionate connection to the folklore of ladybugs, which her family and friends fostered into a most abundant collection.
Marilyn is predeceased by her Mom and Dad (Lillian and Bill Campbell), the love of her life Edward Hall and her sweet sister-in-law, Brenda Campbell. Also passing before her were several members of Ed's extended family.
She is survived by her abundant and loving sibling clan......sisters Maureen (Rob) Cameron of Kelowna, Heather (Dick) Collins of Quesnel, Bev (Joe) Cardle of Victoria and brothers Bryan Campbell, Barry (Byrle) Campbell, Ron Campbell and Ross (Debbie Telford) Campbell all of Quesnel. These siblings also blessed her with many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews whom she adored and connected with over the phone and on social media.
She also leaves behind relatives on Ed's side of the family, including Ed's children Barb, Cris and Dan. Her presence will leave a void for many friends here in Victoria; most significantly, her lifelong friend and companion, Karin Ann Henry who accompanied Marilyn on so many adventures over their remarkable 54-year friendship.
It is said that the ladybug is a happy-go-lucky traveler, living life without boundaries. Dear sister Marilyn, we send you off to Eddie and all our other angels to share adventures, without boundaries or pain. As per Marilyn's request, there will be no service. She will go "home" to be interred in Quesnel with her parents. You may offer your thoughts to the family on the Sands Colwood obituary page (sandscolwood.ca).
Sands Colwood