Marilyn Roddie

Marilyn Roddie (Nana) passed away Wednesday, December 12th, 2018 surrounded by her family. Predeceased by her husband Mel and her grandson Bryce, she fought a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Marilyn moved to Campbell River more than 70 years ago, and had extended family and friends that evidenced all those years. Marilyn worked for many years in the schools as a receptionist where her "children" numbered in the hundreds.

It didn't matter where or when, she always had time for a kind word and a hug. It was said by her grandchildren, that going shopping with Nana always took hours because she knew and chatted with "everyone".

Marilyn was the glue that held her large family together, and she took over the role of matriarch of her beautiful extended family from her mother 10 years ago with grace, love and confidence. Marilyn was able to find the good and the beauty in everything and everyone. Since her retirement, her extensive travels with family and friends allowed her to see many parts of the world and gave her a greater appreciation of what she had and where she lived. Even in her last days she would remark, "How lucky I am to have the love of so many people."

She was loved and cherished by not only her family and friends but her neighbours and by countless people in Campbell River. Marilyn's house was always open and a cup of tea was only minutes away. Seldom could you pass her house on the highway and not see at least a couple of extra vehicles from friends just "popping in for a visit".

Even with all these visitors, Nana always had special time for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, close friends, cousins, nephews and nieces. She leaves behind two brothers (Bill and Bob) and a sister (Colleen) and their families, brothers-in-law, Ray and Bill and their families, five children,Theresa(Axel), Loreen(Wayne), Steven, Dena(Karl) and Anne(Rob), thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

To be part of the nucleus Marilyn(Nana)created meant unconditional acceptance. This was a privilege for all of us who were invited into this circle, whether it be through family, marriage or simply friendship. But with that privilege now comes the responsibility of ensuring Nana lives on through us, our children, our attitudes and our actions. Nana, you will not be forgotten, you showed us all how to appreciate and treat others.

Rest easy Nana, we will carry on and make you proud.

The family would like to thank Dr. Prinsloo, Dr. Farias, and the wonderful nurses and staff at Campbell River General Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, Marilyn has requested that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the MS Society.

A Celebration of Life will be held: January 20th, 2019 Eagles Hall, Campbell River 1:30 - 5:30 pm.