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Burns, Marilyn


Marilyn Dorothy Burns (nee Morrison) was born in Vancouver General Hospital on November 20, 1952. She passed away in Chilliwack on November 17, 2015. She is survived by her two sons, Jared and Brendan Burns, sisters Sheila Pope (Jack), Evlyn Morrison (Jeff), Kamala Morrison Fairbairn (Don), brother John Morrison (Laura) and mother Frances Morrison. She is predeceased by her father Dr. Robert Morrison. Marlie lived in Hope B.C. throughout her childhood. After graduating from Hope Secondary School in 1970 she enrolled at Capilano College, then proceeded to complete a medical stenography course at VVI (1973-1974). Her first job as a medical stenographer was at VGH UBC, working in the Department of Urology from 1974 -1976.

On July 16, 1977 Marlie was married to Gordon Burns in the Hope United Church in a beautiful traditional RCMP red serge ceremony. Their first son, Jared Gordon Burns, was born in April 1980. A second son, Brendan Robert Burns, arrived in March 1983. The couple purchased two hobby farms: one in Prince George in 1978 and a second in Cranbrook in 1980. The family became avid hobby farmers, and, over the course of the next ten years, enjoyed learning a range of skills needed to raise and train a variety of different animals.

Marlie worked full time as a medical stenographer in three general hospitals: Winnipeg, Prince George and Cranbrook. She also worked for 11 years as a medical stenographer and receptionist for a medical equipment company in Kamloops.

Marlie cultivated a great number of hobbies. She loved to read, cook, garden, preserve her produce, play the piano, sing in choirs, listen to Elvis Presley and connect with family and friends on the phone. Marlie never once forgot anyone’s birthday or anniversary. She took pride in her memory and was diligent in her ability to remember past events. She enjoyed playing Beethoven's, “Moonlight Sonata”, a favorite of her mothers father (W.B.H. Teakles).

“Auntie Marlie” will be dearly missed by all: in particular by her mother, her sons, her sisters, brother, nieces and nephews and also by her great niece and nephew. She had a very generous, kind, and loving personality and will be fondly remembered for the unconditional love she brought to all.

A celebration of Marlie’s life will be held at the Hope United Church, December 5th at 2:00 PM. There will be a reception to follow afterwards in the Hope United Church Hall.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.



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