Obituary of Marilyn Wynn

Marilyn Anne (Anderson) Wynn was born in Sussex on February 4, 1954; she was the daughter of Oscar Anderson and Anne (Aitken) Sleep and the loving wife to Kevan Wynn.

Marilyn began her education in Grade 1 in Saint John where her mom was a teacher. But soon it was back to the Sussex area, close to her grandparents, who lived on a farm in Roachville. 

Attending a small rural school in Roachville for a few years and being around her grandparents made Marilyn the practical, get-a-job done country girl that showed through her whole life.

During her school years she was very involved in 4-H (Roachville Busy Stitches and Sussex Ayrshire 4-H calf club), CGIT and student council. Marilyn graduated from Sussex Composite High School in 1972 and it was on to Teachers' College in Fredericton where she stayed with family during post secondary education. 

Marilyn began her teaching career at Havelock Elementary School in 1974, she then moved on to Petitcodiac Rural Elementary School where she taught from 1977 to 1980. Marilyn would then find her teaching home at Sussex Elementary in 1980 and would remain there until her retirement in 2009. She impacted children in a classroom for 35 years. This woman changed lives, and she gave kids confidence that normally would have been just pushed by the wayside. The impact that she had was legendary. Marilyn had a special way with people; she listened. Like, really listened. She made you and your issues feel important, and she always rooted for and coached the underdog. 

Her teaching didn’t end in the classroom, she tutored children from elementary school level and up. She helped proof countless reports, assignments, resumes and even work documents for people. In fact, in writing this, I fear she is critiquing my spelling, grammar, sentence structure and punctuation.

In 1981, Marilyn married the love of her life, Kevan and together they would celebrate their love story for 43 years. Together they would raise two amazing, wonderful, strong, and independent women: Katelyn and Rebecca. She was so very proud of how their paths and horizons broadened and the amazing people they have grown up to be. 

Marilyn was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. Family was the center of her world, even picking up a few strays along the way. She had more than enough love to go around to her girl’s friends and their families. 

She enjoyed her shows, playing games on her computer and talking on the phone. She also loved watching curling, her many shopping trips to the US with anyone who could find a seat in the car and one of her favourite trips was to Scotland.  

Marilyn was known for her open door policy and welcoming friends and family, she often said the more the merrier. Initially she may have come off hard but her inner circle quickly learned how kind and caring she really was. Many students, friends and family were lucky to experience her gigantic heart,  loving advice, and her guiding hand. Her love and support changed every life she touched.

Her hands were rarely still she was always creating whether it be it knitting a hat or scarf, fixing a pair of pants or creating quilts for those she loved. Mom had an eye for colour, when she was picking fabrics for quilts she could visualize how it would look even as wild as we thought the prints were. Mom loved to gift her projects to close friends and family. 

She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh. She made friends everywhere she went, and she loved to love on people. She handmade runners, placemats, pillows, blankets, and quilts; as well as thousands of other creations for people. 

Marilyn always wanted  to be involved in the Quilt Guild but it was during the afternoon and wasn't able to attend.  After retirement, Marilyn & Gail started a “Ladies of the Evening” beginners quilt group where she continued her love of teaching.

Marilyn was the epitome of LOVE. When she took you into her fold – as friend, as a co-worker, as a crafter or as family. She loved you with every ounce of her being. She cared for, nurtured, and held dear those relationships. She always did without ever expecting in return and the world is a sadder place without her in it. 

Mrs. Marilyn Anne Wynn of Sussex passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 31, 2024 at the age of 69.

Her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of her loving husband, Kevan; their children: Katelyn Wynn of Sussex and Rebecca Wynn (Andre) of Dartmouth; her grandchildren: Aiden and Cali; her brother, Don Anderson and his wife Wendy of Sussex; her chosen sister, Janice Handrahan and her husband Wayne; her brother-in-law: Brian Wynn (Kathie); her sisters-in-law: Beverly Boorman (Rolly) and Barbara Rusden (Chris); as well as several extended family members.

Arrangements are in the kind and caring hands of Wallace Funeral Home 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex NB. 506-433-1176 from where visitation will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024 from 1-3 and 6-8pm. A Celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held from St. Paul’s United Church on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 2:00pm.

Donations in memory of Marilyn can be made to the Roachville Cemetery, St. Paul's United Church or to the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com

Marilyn’s family would like to express their deepest thanks to Dr. Reiman, Dr. Naz and Dr. Ward and all of their teams; as well as the Sussex Extra Mural, Dow Quality Health Care and the staff at Sharps Drug Store – All of their kindness, care and compassion will never be forgotten.