In Loving Memory ~ Marilyn was born in New Westminster on Sept 15, 1931, to Wallace and Juanita Peters. Her mother died when she was 5 years old and she was sent to live with her Aunt and Uncle, until her father remarried. Soon Marilyn would have a sister Margo and brother Norman.
Growing up on Hamilton Street in New Westminster and spending the summers at their cottage in White Rock. When Marilyn was 16 her father brought the first car dealership to Langley Prairie as it was known in those days. According to Mum, she was not impressed with the move to Langley, she was a city girl.
Things changed though when she met Victor Rockson and they became high school sweethearts. They were the first graduating class of Langley Secondary School in 1948-49 following with Grade 13 as it was offered in those days. Marilyn moved back to the city and worked for the Hudson Bay Co.
and the Vancouver Sun, and Vic took a year at UBC. They married in 1953 settling in Langley on 5 acres overlooking the Nicomekl River. Their 3 children were born soon after.
In the mid 60's the family moved to Fort Langley when Vic became part owner of the Fort Langley Hotel. May Day parades were a big thing. Especially the time when Mum drove our black '62 mercury convertible for her daughter's Explorer group.
As Mum cruised along in the parade, we Explorer girls waved to the crowds. Marilyn would also be the "Queen Mother" one year, on stage to crown the new May Queen and as a young girl herself, she had been crowned as runner up in the New Westminster celebration. Marilyn was a natural homemaker and excellent cook, making her famous perogies.
She volunteered with the Hospital Auxiliary and Penny Pinchers. She loved to play bingo, card games and dominoes with family and friends. She travelled overseas to Portugal, Morocco and South Africa, and enjoyed family holidays at the lake in Vernon.
Marilyn was very proud of her family's accomplishments and athletic abilities in many sports, especially rugby. Marilyn had a wonderful sense of humour and a beautiful smile. She was extremely generous.
She put others before herself, she was humble and gracious and taught us forgiveness. In her last days at hospice, she was said to be the elegant grandmother. She was devoted to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Heather (Don) Cauleen (Barry) Sam (Joanne) Richie (Kelly) Gareth (Karyn) Travis (Nadine) Lynn (Brandon) Cody (Carly) Ashley (Jordan) Sarah (Dustin) Ryder, Lane, Tyson, Addie, Khloe, Eli, Colt, Stevie, Cohen and Cooper. She was predeceased by her husband Vic in 1994, brother Norman in 2009, son-in-law Don in 2023 and beloved daughter Heather in Jan. 2024.
Mum always had a cozy home with jukebox oldies playing and on the table a pretty dish with wrapped candy for anyone who came to visit. She will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts. The family would like to thank Harrison Pointe, the Langley Hospice and the MAiD team for their compassionate care and support.
As per Marilyn's wishes, a small family gathering will be held to honour her memory..
