Marilyn Bjur

Marilyn Bjur born on February 29, 1936, in Washington State, passed away, with family by her side, on August 24, 2024, at 5:24am at the age of 88 (in leap year birthdays Marilyn was 22). Marilyn's beloved dog Sadie, her sister Bernice, and children April and Ken, lovingly sat vigil with her as she transitioned.



Marilyn held a former public unified administrative role in the Hemet Unified School district for approximately 20+ years. She formerly worked as an administrative support in the McGee Women's Hospital at the University of Pittsburgh. Her first job when living in Pasadena back in the late 50's was as a telephone company operator. She loved giving back to others and being of service to the community. She reveled in her friendships with colleagues, neighbors, Stroke Center friends, and family.



Marilyn loved to sing, it was one of her passions, along with baking, quilting, making jewelry, raising African Violets, sewing clothes and many other necessities. She joined Sweet Adelines of San Diego, founded in 1945, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to share her love of singing and vocal expression. Sweet Adelines started as a small group of women who loved to sing. Since then, it has evolved into an organization that spans the globe.



A special day arrived in 1954 when Marilyn gave birth to her first child, a daughter, April (Chambers). And then doubly blessed, her son, Ken Bailey, arrived in 1956. Both of her children cherished the woman she was: smart, sassy, bold, loving, creative, and a survivor. She thrived on her family, staying close to April and her husband Tom, as they were raising 3 boys. Ken gave her 2 granddaughters who loved and connected with their grandmother up until the day she passed.



Marilyn loved to garden and always had a line on the "best" irises and was an early succulent enthusiast. She spent time with her rescue dogs, whom she adored, and Sadie, who is approximately 7 years of age, is now with extended family to live out her best life.



Approximately 20+ years ago Marilyn survived a stroke leaving her right side weaker than the left. She credits the Stroke Center in Palm Springs for helping her get back on her feet after the stroke and the area became like a second home. She loved to attend theatre and concerts in Palm Springs as a result.



Marilyn is survived by her sister Bernice Ragains (nee Bjur) and her husband Rees; her brother Allen Bjur (Betty); her daughter April Chambers (nee Bailey) and husband Tom Chambers; grandsons Tommy (Nicole), Scott (Kailey), and Zachary (Hillary); her son Ken Bailey and wife Stacie Spector; granddaughters Noelle Bailey and Sophia Bailey; and 2 great-grandchildren Monroe and Macy Chambers. Marilyn was preceded in death by her brother Bob Bjur and parents Hugo and Claire Bjur.



An unlikely basketball enthusiast, it is not lost on us that she passed post-season. She loved doing real time and recall conversations with her son Ken about the wild world of sports and basketball.



Although she will be missed greatly, by all, we rest well knowing that she died peacefully, in her time, and that she expressed feeling grateful for her full life and feeling ready to transition. Marilyn had a very open-mind about life, and death, and the possibilities of astrology and metaphysical concepts.