Marilyn grew up in a Christian home. Her dad was a logging contractor, and he and her mom raised Aberdeen Angus cattle. Marilyn was baptized in June of 1958 at Black Creek (B.C.) Mennonite Church, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and was involved in many church activities. After graduating from high school, Marilyn went to university in Victoria to study accounting. When she finished, she joined the Mercantile Bank, now Citibank. She visited family in Germany, set up audit systems across Canada, and spent time in New York. For several years, she lived with her sister Audrey in Vancouver. They shared many adventures such as shopping, going to the beach, attending symphonies and ballets at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and travelling together in Europe. In 1970, Marilyn met Bill Bramwell, and they were married at Black Creek Mennonite Church, May 8, 1971. They made a home and many friends in different communities, including Vancouver, Regina, Calgary, North Vancouver, Richmond, Tsawwassen, Burns Lake, Victoria, Bella Coola, Kamloops, and Abbotsford. Marilyn worked for the Canada Revenue Agency and had her own small practice specializing in legal accounting. Marilyn and Bill were joined by daughter Charlene in 1973 and son Michael in 1976. Marilyn’s life was filled with happy times on their boat, cruising the Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands, and at their cabin in Birch Bay. They often visited family in Black Creek, Kelowna, and Vancouver, Wash. Together Marilyn and Bill loved to offer hospitality. At South Delta Baptist Church, Tsawwassen, B.C., they served communion and participated in Marriage Matters and Strawberry Teas. They volunteered at Tsawwassen First Nation Reserve. Marilyn provided pastoral care at Delta Hospital and the Abbotsford Hospice. She made many lifetime friends and continued to gather monthly with her Beta Sigma Phi sorority sisters until a few months before her death. Friendship, community service, and social gatherings filled her life with joy. Marilyn loved her dear friend Joanne Jones, who was a pillar of support during her illness. Marilyn enjoyed cooking, entertaining, gardening, and boating. She also appreciated classical music and hymns and had a special love for the elderly. She will be remembered dearly for her amazing dinners, beautiful garden, and generosity to her friends and family. Marilyn was a kind, strong, and intelligent woman who left a lasting impression. She died peacefully with family at her side.
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