Obituary of Marilyn Winnifred Bannink

It is with immense sadness we wish to announce the passing of Marilyn Winnifred Bannink on Friday April 19th 2019 at the age of 78 years. Marilyn will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 58 years Donald, her children, Dale, Tammy (Kevin), Shelly (Bee), Scott (Yvette), Troy (Jessica). She left amazing memories with 11 grandkids, Christen, Kyle, Dwan, Meghan, Chelsea, Cody, Kayla, Sheldon, Josie, Chloe, and Carter. Marilyn proudly has 2 great grandchildren Peyton and Hank. Marilyn also leaves behind her sister Jackie Helmer and brother Denis Jones and many nieces and nephews. Marilyn was born in Saskatoon on January 27th, 1941. She married her husband Donald Bannink on February 25, 1961 where she provided a home for their family amongst moves throughout southern Alberta. The family arrived in BC in 1972 and made Sparwood their home. Mom will always be remembered in The Valley for her incredible passion raising her family and the "Best Ever" Christmas Eve Parties, where the entire town was welcome. In1988 they settled in Cranbrook where Marilyn and Donald passionately provided care at the Pioneer Lodge Group home for over a decade.. One of Marilyn's greatest loves was camping with her family. So many treasured memories were created at our family campsites on Lake Koocanusa. Marilyn's favorite pastimes were dancing, playing cards and hosting her famous house parties. Grandma's was second home to all of her grandchildren. She always put her family first. With buckets of baking, delicious meals, a junk food cupboard, coffee always on and a fresh bed to sleep in, everyone felt welcome. She was happiest surrounded by family and friends. Always an amazing memory, she had stories to tell, fondly reminiscing of "the good ol days". She was a woman of strength, great wit, generosity, ferocious loyalty and rich with love right till the end. Mom we are all thankful for your model of lasting devotion and sacrificial love. Always in our hearts and embedded in our memories...forever. It is by the request of mom that no service will officially take place. Mom would want all her people to embrace their best memories of her and share with their people.