September 19, 1930 - June 22, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
Marilyn Walsh passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024 in 100 Mile House after living a full life. She was born on September 19, 1930 in North Vancouver, where she was raised. A love of horses brought her to the Cariboo in the early 1950's where she met and married Fran Walsh.
Although, ranch life was busy, Marilyn was active in the Women's Institute and volunteered with other clubs throughout her life, most recently as an auxiliary to the Watch Lake-North Green Lake Volunteer Fire Department. With her kids in school, she worked as an Administrative Assistant at the 100 Mile Village Office and later at the 100 Mile District General Hospital.
After the passing of Fran and her retirement, Marilyn frequently travelled. With her partner Les Hewitt, she visited many parts of the world including China, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. They also criss-crossed North America many times by motor home and bus tour.
But, her favorite destination was Africa, and she was drawn back there more than a dozen times by her love for the wildlife and people. Highlights from those trips included hiking with gorillas in Rwanda and canoeing down the Zambezi River.
Later in life, Marilyn moved from the ranch near 83 Mile House to the Carefree Manor in town.
Marilyn is survived by three children, Barbara (Larry), Chuck (Yenny), and Al. Davrul, her oldest son, passed away in the 1980's. She also had nine grandchildren, Devun (Julia), Raechel (Shane), Sarah, Elizabeth, Monica, John (Kim), Carl (Ellery), Gordon, Linnea and three great-grandchildren, Emilia, Isla, and Jenna.
They, and her many friends, will miss her dearly. She was predeceased by her sister Jackie and brother Bud.
A celebration-of-life is planned for later. In lieu of flowers, a donation could be made to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for elephants in Kenya.
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