Marilyn was born on February 9, 1949, in Vancouver, British Columbia, to Marion and John (Jack) Brooks. She grew up with two brothers: Garth and Terry. Having been accustomed to living in a military family, Marilyn first married Robert (Bob) Emmerson, who was a member of the Armed Forces, in 1967 in Rivers, Manitoba. Their daughter Tara Dawn was born in 1973. Later, in 1975 came a move to Lahr, Germany and their son, Shawn Patrick was born.
In 1991, Marilyn met her best friend and husband Jack Wilander. After years of living in Courtenay, in 2006 Marilyn and Jack decided they wanted to live the quiet, small town life and chose Gold River as their final destination. Marilyn was active with the Legion and enjoyed all the entertainment it had to offer. Marilyn was a voracious knitter and baker. She was a thoughtful woman, choosing gifts and other expressions of her love carefully and creatively. Marilyn was a gracious hostess, enjoyed getting 鈥済ussied up鈥�, and always had a pot of coffee and some delicious homemade baking on hand.
Over the last few months, as cancer lessened her capacities, her spark remained strong. Marilyn died at 6:15 AM on Friday, January 17th with her daughter at her side and Jack鈥檚 words of love in her ear. She was surrounded by love during her last days and minutes as she let go. She was predeceased by her father, John. She is survived by her mother, Marion; brothers Garth and Terry (Judy) and family; daughter Tara, son Shawn (Cathy); grandchildren Tyler, Tasha, Mateo, Marla, Lucas and McKenna.
A celebration of life will be held at the Gold River Legion on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, her family would appreciate donations be made to Victoria Hospice at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Marilyn鈥檚 name. The care, compassion and loving attention the Palliative Care Response Team, Paramedics and Hospice staff provided to her in her time of need was exceptional.