MARILYN OLIVE CROOKS

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MARILYN OLIVE CROOKS

(MCEACHERN)

February 2, 1950 - July 28, 2026

It is with sadness that we share that Marilyn McEachern Crooks passed away peacefully at her home in Winnipeg on July 28, 2026.

Marilyn was born in Carman, Manitoba to her parents, Mary (née Innes) and Archibald McEachern. Marilyn grew up on a farm near town with her siblings, Malcolm and Margaret. After graduating high school in 1967, Marilyn moved to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba. There she met Buzz (Lloyd) Crooks, her future husband. Marilyn and Buzz married in September 1969, and welcomed their first child, Stacey, in 1970, followed by Shannon (1973), Whitney (1978), and Robert (1982).

Marilyn completed a BA (economics) at the University of Manitoba, a CMA designation, and an MBA at Athabasca University. She had a successful and interesting career. After working for several non-profits, she took a job with the Government of Manitoba as a manager of finance and audit. She retired from government in 2017.

Marilyn appreciated a good walk, a good book, and a good meal. She enjoyed travel, and was particularly grateful to travel twice to Scotland, the ‘old sod.’ Family was important to Marilyn, and she treasured spending time with her children and grandchildren in Winnipeg and at her cottage in Matlock, Manitoba.

Marilyn is survived by her brother, Malcolm McEachern (Kathy); her children, Stacey Crooks (Chris Sale), Shannon Crooks (Tommy Thornton), Whitney Crooks (Ashley Singh), and Robert Crooks; and her grandchildren, Emma Sale, Stella Sale, Lucy Crooks, and Esther Crooks. She is also survived by countless nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Prairie Theatre Exchange or the Winnipeg Folk Festival. A gathering in Marilyn’s memory will be held in September.

Tribute Link: www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 15, 2026