Marilyn Zupp, our strong and independent Mom, Sister, Grandmother, Great-grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully in the North Okanagan Hospice, surrounded by love.
Marilyn is lovingly remembered by three daughters, Charlene (Rich) Zecchel, Leona (Frank) Bird and Shelley Zupp; two sons, Darren (Karen) Zupp and Terry Zupp; her grandkids, Jason and Shaylan Zecchel, Michael (Carrie) DeBoer and Daniel DeBoer, Landon and Tianna Colvin and Meghan Graham, Dallas and Brenden Zupp and Sheleena Zupp; her great-grandchildren, Luca, Finley and Evelyn DeBoer. She was "Mom" to Dave DeBoer, Lucy Zupp and Gary Walters. Marilyn was preceded in death by all of siblings except for one sister, Violet (Norm) Kaiser who will miss her very much.
Marilyn was born to Jack and Martha Meyer, being delivered by a mid-wife in a farmhouse at New Norway, Alberta. She was a sister to Joyce, Marcia, Vernon, Ray, Kenny and Violet and she had numerous cousins and was Aunty to many nieces and nephews, all who loved her dearly.
Growing up on a farm meant never-ending chores. Marilyn's ride to school was on the back of a horse, attending both Elementary and High School at Hoover School in New Norway, Alberta. She took her Grade 11 in Wetaskiwin and then began her nurses training in Grade 12 at SAIT. She graduated from Nursing School in 1956 which launched her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the Wetaskiwin Hospital and later at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital from 1970-1995, when she retired from nursing. During her time at VJH she worked with many dedicated nurses who she also formed close friendships with.
In 1957 Marilyn was married to Gary Zupp and together they had five children in seven years. The marriage ended by divorce in 1977.
Marilyn had a great sense of humour. She loved people and was extremely generous with helping anyone in need, always with great compassion. She took many trips with friends and family over the years which brought her much joy. Marilyn was kind and loyal and had many friends, some life long, which she was delighted to travel or just spend time with. Her hobbies once included knitting, crocheting and cross country skiing but after her retirement she took up bowling and going to Curves. In later years she enjoyed playing online Scrabble with her friends as well as Sudoko which kept her mind sharp. She was also a passionate lover of all kinds of music and dancing. Marilyn took such pride in having the nicest yard and flower garden. She brought her garden inside her home with her lovely collection of decorative plates and ornaments.
In Marilyn's own words, raising five responsible kids was her greatest accomplishment and she was so very proud of us all. We always admired how accepting she was of everyone and the way she would include and treat people like family. She was affectionately known by our friends as "mama Zupp", waffle grama to the grandkids, and tea party grama to Meghan.
We, Marilyn's family would like to thank all her wonderful friends, the many caring nurses at VJH in ER and 2 West, Dr. DeBeer, Dr. Friesen and staff, ambulance attendants, friends at Lakepoint, Community Care support workers and staff and new friends at Carrington Place for all the love and care given to our Mom. A special thank you to friends Pat Libby and Sylvia Willms who went above and beyond in her final days.
Cremation preceded a Celebration Of Marilyn's Life which will be held at Vernon Alliance Church, 2601- 43rd Avenue, on Friday, January 17th, 2020 at 1:30 pm with Pastor Jeremy Kinniburg officiating. A Reception will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall.
As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Marilyn to either the B.C. Lung Association, P.O. Box 34009, Stn. D, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 9Z9 or the North Okanagan Hospice Society, 3506 - 27th Avenue, Vernon, B.C. V1T 1S4, where she spent her final five days on earth.
Funeral arrangements have been made with
Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd.,
5605 - 27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5
250-542-1187
Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd
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