February 22, 1933 - January 2, 2018
Marilyn Joan Lambert (Huson) enjoyed New Year's Day and went to bed that evening marveling at the super moon that shone so brightly outside her window. She passed peacefully, in her sleep, at home, in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island on January 2, 2018. Marilyn was the wife and widow of Harold (Harry) Lambert who predeceased her in 2006.
Marilyn was born in Toronto, the only child of Patricia Stringer and Graham Huson. Her father left when Marilyn was just a toddler and her mother worked, so it was her grandmother Harriet (Annie) who raised her. Her cousins, Faye, Jack and Lynn were the closest people Marilyn had to siblings.
Marilyn attended Queen Alexandra School and The Eastern H. S. of Commerce. Her first job was with an insurance company.
Marilyn met Harold shortly after he had immigrated to Canada from England. He was still working on the ships and took a room in Marilyn's grandmother's house. The rules were very strict, but it didn't take long before Harold had asked Marilyn to be his bride and they were married in 1951. Like all trendy couples in the 50's they went to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon.
A couple of years later the children began to arrive, Elizabeth (Doug), Karen, and then son John (Sue) who later gave Marilyn her beloved grandsons Matt and Adam.
In 1970 Harold accepted a transfer to the west coast from Toronto. It was a big decision for the family to make, one they never regretted. Marilyn was an excellent homemaker, seamstress, cook, multi-tasker, and had worked fulltime in Toronto while managing the 3 kids prior to the move west. It didn't take long before she was busy again spending 17 years with School District #43. In 1989 Harold and Marilyn retired to Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island.
Retirement left a large gap that Marilyn eventually filled in 1993 by forming a writer's group called the "Tale Spinners" and later in 1994 she founded the Qualicum Beach "Coronation Street Club". Both activities provided great pleasure and many new friends. Both continue today. Marilyn was an enthusiastic & longtime supporter of Q. B. Mayor Teunis Westbroek. She happily displayed his signs from the very first campaign.
Marilyn appreciated the support and excellent medical care provided to her for nearly three decades by Dr. Clair Biglow, Bron and the helpful staff who went out of their way to ensure both she and her husband had what they needed. A good Dr. is hard to find. Marilyn often joked to Clair that he must never retire!
Marilyn was a perfectionist. She did everything to the best of her ability. She prided herself on her excellent memory. The past few years were very difficult for her as she struggled with memory loss. Her daughter Karen was her live-in caregiver for the past 4 1/2 years. Marilyn could not have stayed at home, as she wanted to do without her daughter's support.
In 2007 Marilyn and Karen chose a little Yorkshire Terrier they named "Farley" as a companion for Marilyn following Harry's passing. Although he was the runt of the litter he soon became the "king of the house" and the new love of Marilyn's life.
Marilyn was an extrovert who made friends easily. From the folks at the bank & pharmacy, to the girls in the bakery and the server in her favorite restaurant, to the guys in the service department at the car dealership. She felt recognition was important, when someone did a good job she was the 1st person to say something or to write a letter of thanks or congratulation. She would be overwhelmed by the recognition, caring and support displayed at her passing.
At Marilyn's request there will be no formal service, however, a Celebration of Life will be held, date and location to be confirmed later, so that friends may share memories.
Although Marilyn loved flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to The Alzheimer Society would be greatly appreciated and preferred.
To those who are local please take a moment to enjoy the view from the memorial bench.
The dedication will change in the near future. Thank you.