It is with great sadness that the family of Marilyn Strand (nee Lee), 67, announces her passing on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006 in Chilliwack, B.C. after a courageous battle with cancer.
Marilyn was born in Fort Frances, Ont. on July 12, 1939 and grew up at Bear’s Pass, Ont. She worked as a nursing assistant at La Verendrye General Hospital and later at Rainycrest Home for the Aged in Fort Frances.
She also worked part-time at Reid’s Voyageur Inn as a front desk clerk.
In 1980, Marilyn moved to Winnipeg, Man. Then in 1981, she moved to Chilliwack with her partner, Colin Searle.
She attended University College of the Fraser Valley and went to work as a home care worker with Fraser Valley Health Care until shortly before she passed away.
In her spare time, Marilyn enjoyed spending time with her cat, Wally, and her dog, Radar. She also was very talented at needlepoint and crocheting.
In her earlier years, Marilyn enjoyed fishing on Rainy Lake and was an avid curler.
Marilyn is survived by her sisters, Florence (Ken) Ogden of Fort Frances, Ont. and Delores (Orville) Eyolfson of Bear’s Pass, Ont.; her sisters-in-law, Joanne Lee of International Falls, Mn. and Rita Lee of Winnipeg, Man.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her partner, Colin Searle, in 1991; her father, Arthur Lee; and her mother, Matilda Lee.
She also was predeceased by her sisters, Dorothy Storey, Hazel Struve, and Lucille Prymak; brothers, Reuben Lee, Arthur Lee Jr., Ronnie Lee, and Everett (Poncho) Lee; brothers-in-law, Barney Byzewski, Isaac Storey, Ralph Struve, and Walter Prymak; and nephew, Brent Ogden.
A mass in memory of Marilyn Strand was said on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2006 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chilliwack.
A private family burial followed.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
When I must leave you for a little while,
please do not grieve and shed wild tears,
and hug your memories to you through the years,
but step out bravely with a gallant smile
for my sake, and in my name live on,
and do all things the same.
Feed not your loneliness on empty days,
but fill each waking hour in useful ways,
Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer,
and in turn I will comfort you and hold you near,
and never, never be afraid to die,
for I am waiting in the sky.
