Marilyn (Dantzer) MacTavish

1924 - 2017

Mom loved to laugh, tell stories, and sing at every opportunity. One would usually catch her smiling and inviting others to do the same. She had a story to tell for every situation and was known to break out in song at every opportunity, especially show tunes from the 30's and 40's, as well as classic Irish ditties.
Marilyn (nee Plunkett) was born in Detroit, Michigan to Leslie Plunkett and Ruby Nicoll Plunkett. When Mom was four years old, the family moved to Peterborough, ON where she lived throughout most of her life. She married her Airforce sweetheart Quentin (Danny) Dantzer and had three children. Sadly, widowed at the age of 33, she devoted herself to raising her children and teaching special needs children and teens. Along the way, Mom found love again with Alexander (Sandy) MacTavish, and a daughter was added to the family. Sadly, she was widowed once again at the age of 46. At age 84, just as most would be settled in for comfort, Marilyn decided to sell her house and begin a whole new life in Alberta. She joined her son and daughter and their families. A second daughter joined her 5 years later, which meant, to her extreme joy, she was surrounded by most of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Marilyn is survived by her four children, 11 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren. DAUGHTER Wendy (Ron) Gilmore, Tom (Lorissa) Gilmore (Brandon), Jay Richardson (Ethan, Damon), Kim (Chad) Gilmore, Melanie (Brad) Doell (Chantal, Cameron); DAUGHTER Molly Thomson (Alex, Ian), DAUGHTER Lyn Klamph (Richard, Bodi, Melody (Penny)), and SON Stephen (Judy) Dantzer, Christi (John) Tims (Hunter, Paisley), Sarah (Wade) Tutt (Cassidy, Chloe, Ivy, Allie). Marilyn is also survived by her beloved brother and sister-in-law John and Lorna Plunkett of Peterborough, ON. Also, celebrating Marilyn's life are her many nieces and nephews who loved their Auntie Marilyn, and many of our friends who loved their Mom #2.
Our family wishes to thank the staff at the High River Hospital for their kindness this past week, and Mom's Care Giving Team at Sunrise Village. We could never thank you enough for the love and tender care you have given to our Mom for
these past three years.
Now at 92 we are lovingly sending Mom on to her next adventure. Her loved ones have waited patiently until we were ready to let her go. A Celebration of Marilyn's life will be held at the High River United Church on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. To send condolences to view Marilyn's Tribute Page, please visit www.lylereeves.com. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River, 403-652-4242.