Here's a link to Kim's wonderful video tribute to our mother:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTgxMlbYoBk&feature=youtu.be

Memories of Marilyn stand out in two areas.  First, her service with HCMA (Hospital Chaplains Ministry Association).  I say service, because she was not just an office employee.  Marilyn had a heart for the Lord and HCMA was her field of service.  In this field she reaped many fruitful harvests.   Her phone voice, her upbeat spirit and especially her smile communicated the love of Jesus.  She was a sister to all the HCMA chaplains - and often a mother to the younger ones. 

Many, many times I saw her tear-up and heard her choke-up when she spoke of the needs in the lives and ministries of the chaplains.  She loved them all and each one loved her.  Marilyn was morning sunshine that lasted all day long in the HCMA office.

Second, there are the memories of "travels with Marilyn."  It was my privilege to be chauffeur, tour guide and errand boy when traveling with Marilyn, Phyllis and Linda.  I have no idea how many wonderful meals in beautiful places we have shared.  Every moment on these journeys, remembering Marilyn's smile and laughter, is a special gift. 

Speaking of gifts, I recall one unforgettable experience.  It was Marilyn's birthday.  The four of us were staying at Bartwood Lodge in the San Juan Islands.  Each day we were there the "girls" would want to be back at dusk in order to enjoy another beautiful sunset.  The evening of Marilyn's birthday was no exception and we were gathered on the deck.  There were to be no birthday gifts but a small cake with a candle and cards were in order. 

However, in town that afternoon I had been waiting for the girls while they were shopping.  I went to a Thrift Store and for 25cents each I purchased the ugliest sweater (it even had a hole in it) and pair of shorts I could find.  Talk about clashing colors!  Following the breath-taking sunset, the little cake and the cards were brought out.  Marilyn blew out the candle, opened the cards and we sang Happy Birthday. 

I then brought out the sweater and shorts, beautifully gift-wrapped.  You can imagine Marilyn's surprise.  She was so pleased and grateful with the usual "You shouldn't have."  She slowly opened the gift, carefully trying not to damage the wrapping paper. 

Marilyn then held up the sweater and shorts, giving her most beautiful smile and exclaimed: "They're adorable...and I just love them!  Thank you, thank you."  Then there was an awkward silence.  Phyllis and Linda were aghast.  All of sudden Marilyn burst out in uncontrollable laughter.  She was still laughing and crying when she went in, changed, and came back out modeling the outfit. 

For years this same sweater and shorts were exchanged as birthday gifts among the three women.   

The sunsets in the San Juan Islands are spectacular.  I can picture Marilyn seated on the deck at Bartwood Lodge taking in the beauty.  I think I hear her humming... no, softly singing:

Over the sunset mountains, Some day I'll softly go, Into the arms of Jesus - He Who has loved me so

Toiling will all be ended, Shadows will flee away, Sorrows will be forgotten -O what a wonderful day!

Over the sunset mountains, Heaven awaits for me;

Over the sunset mountains, Jesus my Savior I'll see.

- Bill Tate   

OUR COVENANT GROUP  DEAR SISTER,  MARILYN

Dearest Marilyn,   You have been such a wonderful part of my life for so many, many years.  I thank you for our friendship and the many prayers you prayed for me, my children and my extended family over the years.  Speaking of your prayers, you spoke from the heart of our Jesus Christ, the Soul of the Holy Spirit and the mind of God.  There were many of your prayers that were so eloquent that my tears flowed.  Yes we prayed together....on the other hand we partied numerous times.  

Such fun and happy times your Covenant sisters have shared with you, so many fantastic memories.  We so enjoyed your party planning skills and your love for the party....any party.   Your love of family has inspired me so many times, your beloved Don, your daughters Kim and Kris, and your sons Greg and Randy.  Your great happiness on the birth of your first grandchild and those that followed.  You will be greatly missed on the earth, but so welcomed into the heavenly kingdom.  

My heart is sad at your passing, but it has been sad for months due to the illness you have been suffering with.  I know that you were welcomed into the kingdom by our savior and Lord, Don and your family---WHAT JOY!  It is the sadness of your leaving this world that brings all to tears, but joy and thankfulness that you are now with our LORD completely illness free.. PRAISE GOD for His tender mercies and unending grace.  

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Marilyn, my Covenant sister for 30 years, approached every experience in her life with great enthusiasm.  She truly had a zest for life.  She loved God, her husband, her family, her friends, both old and new, travel, entertaining, music, theater, new experiences.  She loved words and prayed beautiful prayers.  She was definitely the best 'pray-er' in our group and we had some good ones!  

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There are so many memories of times with Marilyn that it is hard to pinpoint just a few.  When she and Don first came to St. Andrew's, we became close friends.  She was always able to talk me into doing things even if I didn't want to.  But I did invite her to join our Covenant group which was a good thing for all of us.  With her happy smile she was wonderful to have around.

Being the life of the party just came naturally to her.  Her love for the Lord showed when she would pray.  Soon she was the one we went to for saying Grace at all of our functions.  Marilyn had a way with words.  She was truly loved by us all and will be surely missed.

There are so many things that come to mind, when I think of Marilyn.  She was a uniting force with people... Always inclusive and caring.  She dismissed error and shortcomings in others.  She always had a warm smile, and quick to laugh at humor.  

She was such a good mother. She shined around all of her kids.  She would happily stand in the background and give each of you the limelight that you deserved.

And, she made some of us feel loved like one of her "other" kids.  

She was one of those rare people, whom gives Christianity a genuinely good name.  Very honest and true with her faith in God.

And she was a good singer!  Yikes!  I so admire that!

Marilyn was, above all, trustworthy and genuine.  

I have been very blessed and privileged to have known her for so many years.
Just thinking about her, makes me smile.

Much, much love,
Jan

Hello cousin! (Kim)
 
Dad & Mom have been keeping me in loop regarding your Mom's health and situation. I am truly saddened and my heart goes out to you and Kris, Randy & Greg. Gwen passed your recent email on to me and I do want to let you all know I am thinking of you and that you are in my prayers.
 
I remember my Aunt Marilyn as a very positive, bright woman -  full of love, enthusiasm and grace - for life, her family, friends and her Lord. I remember Aunt Marilyn way back when I was 3 (now I'm 61!). I was the flower girl in your parent's wedding!

I also have great memories of the family gatherings we had at the holidays, taking turns going to different homes and the wonderful feeling of being surrounded by family on special occassions. 
 
Please give her a great big hug from me. and tell her I love her and wish her a peaceful journey. There will be many beautiful souls waiting for her in heaven! My love and heartfelt wishes for you and your family. I hope you will also find peace in this process.
 
Cousin Laura

Dear Kim, Hope that you are doing better with your days and adjusting to your daily life without your precious mother.

In reflecting on my memories of Marilyn, they always include watching her singing in St Andrews choir and my signaling with a tug on my ear “to hello to her” and she back to me. 

Of course that has not been for awhile but, just yesterday in the church service, I looked down at the choir loft and “tugged my ear to her memory”.  Good bye Sweet Sister.

Music of the Sanctuary will always bring memories of your Mom and Dad for both Al and Me.
 
God bless you and your family.  Your will always be surrounded by the Lord’s community while on earth.
 
Love, Al and Martha

Dearest Marilyn,  I MISS you, dear Covenant sister.  I miss your cute giggles, your infectious laughter, your big smiles, your words of wisdom, your awesome prayers, your beautiful faith in our Lord,  your love of life to the fullest, and how you loved to have fun.  You were a wonderful 'party girl' who enjoyed entertaining or helping someone else plan a fun time.  

Occasionally, we enjoyed going to movies together and talking about it afterwards.....even our TV programs.  You loved "The Bachelor" and "Dancing With the Stars", "American Idol".  You critiqued the Idol contestants and were spot-on about their musical abilities.  

Whenever our group went out to eat, we loved watching you quiz our servers:  what was their life's goal, where they came from, what were they studying, going to school, and you gave them such encouragement.  However, if something wasn't right about your food, you never hesitated to tell them.  

In our group, your prayers lifted us to God's throne, Marilyn.  God gave us an 'angel' and that was you.  True to your humble spirit, you tried to tone down our praises, but your prayers with the Lord's help brought us hope and healing.   We kidded you about being the 'spark plug' of our group, and you laughed and protested.  The spark did leave us when you could no longer participate with us, but your spirit remained.  

Your love for your dear husband, Don, continued and you really missed him.  You loved your Family and kept up with all of their comings and goings and activities until your illness prevented you.  Kim became your faithful, loving buddy/advocate.  

Your illness took away your chattiness and laughter and your ability to walk, but it didn't take away your beautiful spirit.  Never.   Dear Marilyn, you're now in the very presence of our Lord -- WOW-- fully healed and joyful, happy, singing praises to our Lord in the Heavenly Choir, dancing with joy again.  

Your radiant smile stretches from ear to ear.  You are HOME at last and in the loving arms of Jesus.  You are with Don.  We love you so much, dear sister, and we'll be reunited soon.....no 'good-bye', but "see you later"......absolutely!!  God bless your beautiful soul.

The best Marilyn memories I have are her wonderful prayers and blessings when we were together at home and at restaurants.  She always had a lot of enthusiasm at our gatherings. 

Marilyn always made me feel special when we were together.  She loved sharing about her family and especially her grand kids which I loved to hear about.  Her laugh made me laugh all the time.  It was like a giggle.   At our Christmas dinners, she loved the drink "vodka with roses lime juice".  (Vodka Gimlet)

Randy -- I know you showed me this picture last night (re: a family photo), but it wasn't until this morning that the reality of this incredible image overcame me. My eyes are full of tears of joy and sadness. It makes it hard to write this. I think back on the MANY wonderful times I had at your house and how your mother would laugh when you made me get in front of a crowd and tell a story or joke. How she ALWAYS made me feel like part of her family.

I miss these times now and had forgot about so many of them until this morning. I am so honored to be part of the Fontana clan, and hope the future holds much success and happiness, as I know that is what your Mom would want. Love you all. Respectfully, Jim.

(Jim Landis went to high school with Greg and Randy, and worked on theatre productions with them both)