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MARILYN BEST
Born: Jan 06, 1935
Date of Passing: Jan 10, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMARILYN BEST Bravely, after being sick for some time, Marilyn Delores Best (nee Davis) left those who love her on January 10, 2017 and was reunited with Jerry, her one true love. Left to mourn are her daughter Valerie and her husband Dean, and granddaughters Halle and Chloe. Marilyn was born in Calgary on January 6, 1935 to Clarence and Edith Davis. She was the second of three lovely daughters, Valerie being the eldest and Bonnie the youngest. During her younger years, the family moved many times within the western provinces to accommodate Clarence's job with Canadian Pacific, before settling in Winnipeg on Lipton Street in 1948 where she met her lifelong friend Marjorie. Marilyn attended General Wolfe School and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. Even though her family moved to Moorgate in St. James during her later years of high school, she commuted daily by transit in order to graduate with her friends. After graduation in 1953, Marilyn attended business college and then began her long career as a clothing buyer for Gambles/MacLeod's, from 1954 until 1985. She travelled frequently to Montreal and New York for business and willingly embraced new technology as one of the first in the company to use computers. After her marriage to Jerry in 1968, as well as six weeks after giving birth, she continued to work, flouting the unspoken rules for women at that time. Although she was focused on her job, her main priority was always her family. Marilyn was a long time member of the Alpha Iota Sorority, in which she held many executive positions, including President. She loved to downhill ski and was also a member of the Hi-Ski-Bo Club that travelled to distant mountains, managing on those trips to break her leg not once, but twice! Breezy Bend Country Club was where, as a Founding Member, Marilyn could be found either enjoying her weekly golf game or holding court in the Spike Lounge. She was a fun loving person, who enjoyed a good party or joke. While having a good time was a priority, so was decorum and grace, both of which she maintained, most of the time. She loved to travel and went on sabbatical for a year, to allow her and her sister Bonnie to embark on a literal trip around the world for the entire twelve months, visiting exciting and far off places such as exotic Egypt, historical Europe and the mysterious Far East. A pilgrimage to her ancestral home in Scotland with her mother and sisters was enjoyed at a later date, as were fun filled trips to Disney World with Jerry and Valerie, and a memorable trip to Hawaii with good friends, Marjorie and John Sander. Summers were spent at the cottage at Sandy Hook that opened on the May long weekend and culminated at Thanksgiving with a loud and boisterous gathering of the fun loving Best Clan, that included swimming, eating and drinking. New Year's and Easter were spent on the Sanders' farm, playing piano and doing puzzles, while Jerry and Valerie fed cattle and assisted in the birth of calves. In later years, Marilyn and Jerry moved to The Courts of St. James. Jerry passed away after thirty-three wonderful years of marriage. Marilyn resided there until December, when she was admitted to the Grace Hospital. The family would like to extend grateful thanks to the wonderful staff at 3 South, ICU and 4 South who were so kind, caring and respectful to Marilyn during her final month. You made a very difficult experience a little easier to bear. At Marilyn's request, there will be no funeral. If desired, donations to the Grace General Hospital would be appreciated. The family does ask that a glass be raised in her honour and remembrance. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn, 204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2017
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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Valerie, Dean and family: The Best/Davis family was so much a part of my growing up on Moorgate St. and there are so many memories of all the great times shared. I 'baby sat' Valerie's boys after the wedding service of Jerry and Marilyn so that the adults could really enjoy the reception. Mom (Anne) and I sat in lawn chairs on our boulevard to watch the Davis girls in their prom dresses leaving for Grad celebrations. Mano and Jerry watching football games at our house - always a fun time - we got extra chips/dip/pop. There are too many parties/gatherings to specifically mention but so many great memories flood back. Your arrival - Valerie - was a milestone moment and added so much joy to their household. Watching you grow and hearing the details of your life adventure (Dean and your daughters) through our continued visits over the years - kept me connected your family and the 'street' - even when M&J and Mom and Dad (Anne & Herb) left Moorgate - there was still so much interaction. Marilyn was so supportive to both Calla and I when our parents passed. She also was a friend for many years to Grace Funk in the Courts - who was the mother of a dear friend of mine. Marilyn was always there with words of encouragement, a helping hand and her precious smile. I was saddened to hear of her recent health struggles but you are right in saying she is now reunited with her beloved Jerry. I have never known a more devoted couple to each other and their respective families. I will treasure my recollections of time sPent with Marilyn and Jerry, how much our lives intertwined and fun we had. May many wonderful memories of happier times - give you strength and help you at this sad time. Thinking of you all, Bev Potter - Posted by: Bev Potter (nee Douglas) (friend and neighbour) on: Jan 14, 2017
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I wrote this once when I found out my mom was gone. Perhaps it'll provide some comfort during your grieving process. If the legacy of a person's life is measured by lives they've touched and how much they are loved, then a big piece of that person will continue to live forever in this life in the hearts of others who loved them. When you have someone you love in heaven you have a little bit of heaven in your home, missing someone can be hard but it can get easier because even when you're one day further from the last time you saw them, each step in this life brings you one step closer to the day you will see them again. - Posted by: Mario Ballantyne (Former grade school student of Valerie) on: Jan 14, 2017
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We met Marilyn quite a number of years ago in Winnipeg through our daughter Arlene & her friend Linda. Arlene always considered auntie Marilyn (as she called her) part of her Winnipeg family, so every time we or I (Shirley) visited Winnipeg we always spent time with her. I found Marilyn to be a wonderful lady and we connected right from the beginning (true friendship). We stayed in touch over the years through our visits, Christmas cards, phone calls & Arlene. Marilyn loved a good time, a laugh & we shared many with her. I am so glad to have met her and pleased to call her a friend, and so thankful that she was a part of Arlene's Winnipeg family. Will certainly miss her. Sending sincere condolences to her family and friends. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. Treasure them always. RIP dear friend. Will raise a glass in honour of you and our friendship. - Posted by: Howard & Shirley Kinden (friend) on: Jan 14, 2017
