MARILYN BARRY

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MARILYN BARRY

Marilyn Barry of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the age of 73 years, with family by her side. Marilyn, was born October 19, 1951, in Brandon, MB and attended school in Justice, Douglas and Elton Collegiate, Forrest.

Marilyn took accordion lessons at Kent's Accordion College and played in a band there with many Brandon area friends. After high school, she completed the Diploma RN program in 1972, then began work in Saskatoon. There she met Rick Barry of the Moose Jaw area and married in 1974. They moved around as Rick found employment opportunities in Computer Science and the Oil industry. She worked in Ottawa, Regina, and Calgary where she completed the ICU program. In 1979 she was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and was given 2 rounds of chemo/ radiation. When those failed, an oncologist asked if she'd participate in an experimental treatment that involved removing her own bone marrow, giving a large dose of a chemo agent and then giving the marrow back in an infusion. It was a risky procedure but after about 2 months she rallied from the treatment and began gaining strength. She eventually was able to work as a nurse in Pediatric Oncology and for Canadian Blood Services. Marilyn lived illness-free for about 35 years, giving her ample time to enjoy camping and hiking in the Rockies. She and Rick traveling from The tip of Key West FL to Alaska, in their motorhome. They made an annual trip to Salt Lake City for her USANA convention and enjoyed plenty of camping in the Nat’l Parks as Campground Hosts

Special trips were taken to Europe, Kenya, Africa, and “Down Under” to AU, NZ, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore. She enjoyed several cruises with Rick to locations including their final cruise to the Panama Canal a months before Rick passed. After that she went with other family and friends to Hawaii, the Mediterranean, and the New England states.

Marilyn’s health declined gradually beginning in 2014 from the effects of cancer treatments and emergency surgery in 2020. She moved from her Hawkwood home in 2023 to Rocky Ridge for Assisted Living. On June 1, 2025, she relocated to Dulcina Hospice in Calgary and lived 3 weeks there.

Marilyn was predeceased by her beloved husband Rick; parents Cam & Iowna Fraser of Justice, and sister Meryl Fraser.

Marilyn is lovingly remembered by her sister Judy (Doug) Marvin; her nieces and nephews, Derek (Britt Hilton) Marvin, with their sons Beau and Benji; Kristy (Mark) Agnew, with their daughters Mila and Ellie; and Jeremy (Kellie) Marvin, with their daughter Claire. Others who cherish her memory include her cousins) Cliffe and Craig Fraser in BC, and Cousin Ranny (Marilyn) Fraser of Elliott Lake, ON. Marilyn is also lovingly remembered by many members of Rick's extended Barry family in Moose Jaw and by treasured friends including classmates, work colleagues, and others who were like family to her; she loved them till the end.

Marilyn and her family are eternally grateful to her agency helpers who accompanied her to Brandon on two occasions for her Nursing Reunion and her nephew’s wedding.

Marilyn will be remembered for her radiant smile, her deep compassion for others, and her enduring love of nature, music, and family. She lived a life full of strength, determination, and heart—a true testament to faith and joy.

A Celebration of Marilyn's Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m Mountain time MDT (ie. 11 a.m. in MB).

The service will be live streamed

https://my.forever.link/register/mcinnis-holloway/marilyn-barry



Reception will follow at St. Thomas United Church (100 Hawkwood Boulevard N.W., Calgary, AB) in the Mountainview Hall. In lui of flowers, friends may donate to a charity of choice or to one of these that were important to her:



1. Ècole Crane School Grounds Transformation Committee, Ecole Crane, 888 CraneIf friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to :

Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 1T9 email :ecou.hilton@gmail.com, attention Britt Hilton

2. Forrest Special Projects Group, Inc c/o Kristy Agnew Box 23 Forrest, MB, R0K 0W0,https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/forrest-special-projects-group/,

3. Dulcina Hospice, c/o Covenant Foundation, Rm 3C60, 11111 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5K 0L4 Telephone 1-866-342-812

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 12, 2025