Obituary of Marilyn Doreen Cameron

MARILYN DOREEN CAMERON (nee BOYKO) May 17, 1952 - December 14, 2015 It is with the deepest grief and sense of profound absence that we announce the passing of Marilyn Doreen Cameron. She was a wife, a mother and best friend that we never expect to meet the likes of this side of eternity. Born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, to Peter and Olga Boyko (Korobaylo), Marilyn spent her childhood on the family farm in Oakbank, Manitoba, with her brothers Don and Ken, as well as her grandfather Stephen and Mary Korobaylo (Tancowny). Despite many trials, including the loss of her brother, Don, in a car accident in December 1967, Marilyn possessed a joyfulness and inner strength that has been apparent to every individual who has known her. Marilyn attended high school at Canadian Union College, in Lacombe, Alberta and Elmwood High School in Winnipeg. In 1970, Randy and Marilyn married in Winnipeg at the age of 18 and after living in Winnipeg for six years, moved to Edmonton, Alberta, for several years where their son Jay and daughter Mandy were born. The family moved from Edmonton to Toronto, Ontario, in 1982 where they would live for six years and it was here where their daughter Stacey was born in 1983. Music was a big part of Marilyn''s life and in 1981; Marilyn was offered a record contract and recorded a sacred album called "A Gift of Love" with Chapel Records in California which is still played on Christian radio stations in the United States and elsewhere today. Marilyn studied music at the University of Manitoba, the University of Alberta and obtained a Bachelor of Education, B.Ed. (Hons) with distinction from the University of Calgary with her typical excellence. Marilyn had a life-long love of horses and in 1993 rode in the Calgary Stampede with the Arabian Horse Club on her beloved Arabian mare Angelique. Marilyn went on to teach at Muriel Clayton Middle School and George McDougall High School in Airdrie, where she founded the girls'' choral group Georgie Girls, the guys'' choral group The Odd Fellows and oversaw the production of many memorable school drama productions, such as Annie and Pirates of Penzance. Marilyn was more than a teacher; she was interested in each student personally. Many of her students have attested to the fact that she changed their lives. Sadly, Marilyn was diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage 3C in January 2009. Her unshaken faith, courage and cheerfulness through many surgeries and debilitating rounds of chemotherapy were an indisputable witness to everyone who was close to her. She passed away peacefully at home in the arms of her family on December 14, 2015, knowing that she had fought a good fight and that hereafter there is a crown of glory laid up for her, 2 Timothy 4:7-8. Marilyn was and will remain the brightest spot on our horizon, where we know we will see her again on the glorious resurrection morning, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. She is survived by her husband, Randy, her children, Jay (Rosa), Mandy (Kris) and Stacey (Jesse), her brother Ken (Donna) and her constant companion, Einstein the Doberman and many dear friends. A Funeral Service will be held at Centre Street Church "Central Campus" (3900 - 2nd Street N.E., Calgary, Alberta) on Monday, December 21, 2015 at 2 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (www.adra.ca) or to the Samaritan''s Purse Canada (www.samaritanspurse.ca). In living memory of Marilyn Cameron, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2S 2L5, Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.