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1927
2013
Marilyn J. Wynn
Feburary 14, 1927- March 19, 2013
MONMOUTH - Marilyn Jeanne Wynn passed away Tuesday, March 19. Ronald, her husband of 62 years, their children Holly, Lisa, Michael, and Bryan, and daughters-in-law Marsha and Karin were at her bedside.
A memorial service will be held at St.Paul's Episcopal Church in Salem, April 4th at 2:00 p.m.
Marilyn Staley was born on Valentine's Day 1927 in Las Vegas, NM to Arthur and Holly Staley. Her parents were thrilled to have a daughter and gave Marilyn every advantage they could. As a young child she was observant, imaginative, and enthusiastic; characteristics that shaped her life. After watching a neighbor play piano she would pantomime the finger movements, playing an imaginary piano on her bedroom windowsill. Her mother saw this and, despite the significant financial cost for the time, arranged for Marilyn to take piano lessons.
Piano became one of the great loves of Marilyn's life. Thousands of public school children in Boulder, CO and later in Oregon along with countless private students were introduced to the beauty of music through Marilyn's classes and piano lessons.
Marilyn was also an accomplished organist. For more than 40 years, St. Hilda's Episcopal Church in Monmouth was graced by her devotion to playing Bach.
Marilyn changed countless lives by joyfully sharing her love and enthusiasm for music.
She attended Highlands University in Las Vegas NM earning her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in music before marrying her beloved Ronald in 1950. Their first child, Holly, was born while Ronald was in Alaska after being drafted into the Army. As with every challenge in her life, Marilyn met this one with happy determination and inspired creativity.
During their years in Las Vegas, NM they took their growing family on camping trips in Gallinas Canyon. Keeping one eye on her children as they explored, Marilyn sat at her easel and indulged her love of watercolor painting. Marilyn was fascinated with color. This passion inspired lifelong creative expression through art quilting, flower gardening, drawing (she had one of Oregon's largest colored pencil collections), and the conception and presentation of spectacular floral bouquets. Sweet Peas were her #1 favorite. Other varieties such as Lilacs, deep red Roses, Nasturtiums, and Daffodils were some of her other #1 favorites.
Again, Marilyn changed lives sharing her love and enthusiasm of color and flowers.
Marilyn celebrated cooking. She joyously lived her faith. Everyone was welcome at her table, including, over the years, her many dear kitties. A longtime member of PEO and the Association of American University Women, she worked tirelessly to help young women attend college.
Her generosity and progressive leadership changed people's lives.
Marilyn's competitive edge revealed itself in her love of games, especially bridge. Her Bridge Club members will be happy to know that in her last game three days before her passing, she won with a robust score of 1,330 points to her opponent's 190. During one hand, in her inimitable and sometimes vexing bidding style, her partner opened with one diamond, she responded with five diamonds. They made their contract.
Marilyn is predeceased by her daughter Marcia. She is survived by her husband, children, and her adoring grandchildren: Dameon, Jaxom, Robyn, Marilyn, Isaac, Ellen, Rocky, Scott, Grant, Anne, and Kalie.
Marilyn's passing is an incalculable loss for her family and friends. Her life was an immeasurable gift to all who knew her.
Remembrances in Marilyn's name may be made to: St. Hilda's Episcopal Church in Monmouth or the Ronald and Marilyn Wynn Musical Theater Scholarship Fund at Western Oregon University.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear Merry-line,sweet friend. The world is not quite as bright as it was when you were nearby to share your sunny disposition and your wealth of wisdom. Rick, Jeff, Steve and Cherie were only four of the young lives you touched and we thank you for your influence on them.
Vern and Glenda Serex
April 4, 2013
Our I.E.S. family feels the Wynn family loss. Marilyn was a wonderful music teacher for many years and we miss her in our lives! Pennie Freeburg
April 2, 2013
My heart goes out to you, Ron and the family in your loss. I always looked forward to seeing Marilyn's smile on Sundays and talking kitties with her.
Holly
March 25, 2013
Sympathy to Ron, Holly, Lisa, Mike and Byran. She was a talented and extraordinary lady. She will be missed.
Catherine Tyrone
March 25, 2013
My heart is with you family of this great lady! No doubt she will set a grand table for you when you sit with her again!. I am honored to have had time in her circle.
SueAnne Remington
March 24, 2013
My love to Dr. Ron and family. I did my 'junior block' with Mrs. Wynn and accompanied Dr. Wynn's choir during my college days. They are both so special to me and such a positive influence toward my becoming a music teacher. Love to all the Wynn family.
Nancy (Mathias) Wilhite
March 24, 2013
Mrs. Wynn, thank you for sharing your joy and enthusiasm with us for all of those years. Being around you made us feel better, happier. Your love for music was contagious. I hope you spend time with my parents in Heaven.
March 24, 2013
I will never forget your kindness, thank you Mrs Wynn. You made a difference in my life.
Juan (Johnny) Lara
March 24, 2013
As one of the many who grew up with Mrs. Wynn as my music teacher in elementary school, thank you for sharing your love of music with us all. I still think of you often. Thoughts and prayers to the Wynn family.
Jean Paulsen-Sirossi
March 24, 2013
My thoughts are with your entire family Mike, what a great woman your mother is.
James Fischer
March 24, 2013
A very bright star is shining down from heaven upon our community and all of the people whose lives were graced by just being in the same room with Marilyn Wynn. Condolences to her family and to all who knew her well.
Patty Taylor Dutcher
March 24, 2013
To Marilyn's Family,
I considered Marilyn a very good friend. I first met her
in AAUW and played bridge with her for many years.
Her fun spirit and quick laugh will remain with me. She
will be missed.
God be with all of you at this time.
Shirley Garrison Morehouse
March 24, 2013
Ron and family, I am sorry for your loss. It was a privilege to have known Marilyn.
Sue McFadden
March 23, 2013
I will miss you dearly.
too bad we didn't have more times to go to Crush.
we could have gotten a little rowdy there!! :)
Joy
March 22, 2013
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