It is with sadness that the family of the late Marilyn Barbara Courtney announces her passing at the Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Care Centre, Botwood, NL, aged 74 years.

Predeceased by her best friend, soul mate, and husband of nearly 54 years, Charles Courtney. Her parents Frank and Edna (nee:Curlew) Dalley.

Leaving to mourn with happy, loving memories are her son, Peter (Melinda Sacrey); daughter, Myra (Trevor Budgell); grandsons, Matthew and Nicholas Budgell; brothers, Neville (Faye), Angus (Marlene), and Edgar (Joan); sisters, Carilyn (Bill McBurney), Ellen (Larry Jones),and Jennifer (Brian Hemeon); brothers-in-law, William, Tom (Yvonne), and Joe; sisters-in-law, Rose (Andrew Benoit) and Bride; as well as a large circle of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Marilyn retired from Hickman Building Supplies in 1998 just in time for the arrival of her first grandson! She dedicated much of her early years in retirement helping with the care of her 'two boys' whom she loved beyond measure and shared a very special bond. Marilyn was a Pillar of Strength for her family and friends who often reached out to her for guidance, support, words of wisdom or just a good laugh.

During her retirement she became an avid gardener and would spend hours nurturing her flowers and vegetables from seed. She took great pride in her gardens and shared her passion with her family and friends. She was a very active woman who loved to 'dance in the kitchen' with her husband, daily yoga, bicycling and spending time outdoors either walking, swimming, or just sitting in the sun with a glass of wine. She was often seen walking in town with her sweet puppy, Spot, several times a day. Although she always kept busy, she also made time to explore her love of reading, the local library had trouble keeping up with usual 3-4 novels per week! She also spent time as a member of the Catholic Women's Association with Saint John the Baptist Church.

Marilyn was a deeply caring, tolerant and accepting person with a beautiful soul. She went out of her way to care for others both human and animal... she even had names for the squirrels, crows and birds she would feed. She always had a smile for everyone and anyone who met her could not dislike her. She will be so dearly missed and never, ever forgotten.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Botwood Funeral Home, 147 Commonwealth Drive, Botwood, NL.