Obituary of Marilyn Louise Arksey

September 6, 1935 – Sioux Falls, North Dakota

July 29, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

 

Marilyn Arksey (nee Ferris), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at the age of 87 years, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on September 6, 1935, in her mother's hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA, Marilyn immediately returned to Canada, where she grew up in Radville, SK.

 

Marilyn’s childhood was filled with the love of her parents, Mohammed and Violet Ferris, her two sisters, Ria and Joan, her two brothers, Butch and Dan, and her dog, Duke. She spent her days studying at school, figure skating, practicing piano, and working at her father’s general store for a time and then at the family’s movie theatre. Marilyn graduated from Radville High School in 1953.
 

Her aspirations led her to Regina, SK, where she pursued her passion for Laboratory Technology and graduated from Regina College. Upon graduation, she stayed with her dear friend and classmate, Audrey, at her family home in Assiniboia, SK. There, she met Audrey’s brother, Allen Arksey, when he and his friend, Frank, visited while on leave from the Royal Canadian Air Force. Marilyn and Allen were married on December 16, 1959, in Radville, SK. Remarkably, the friends, Marilyn and Audrey, became sisters-in-law, and Allen and Frank became brothers-in-law when Audrey and Frank also married.
 

Marilyn and Allen moved to Calgary, AB, in 1960. There, they welcomed their daughter, Janet, in 1962. Their son, Andrew, was born two years later, in Oxbow, SK, where they lived for two years. They returned to Calgary, AB, in 1966.

After the passing of her first husband, Allen, in 1980, Marilyn joined a life-changing course titled "Widowhood, The Pain, and the Promise," where she forged lifelong bonds with a close-knit group affectionately known as "Widows and Friends." Through this circle, she discovered the joy of square dancing, where she met her second husband, Al. In 1986, Marilyn and Al were married, and together they were valued members of the Queens and Jacks Square Dance Club, where they built lasting friendships. Their passion for both square and round dancing brought them joy, laughter, and precious memories.
 

Marilyn had many passions and talents. Her love of music was an integral part of her life. Marilyn was an accomplished pianist who loved playing many oldies like Glow-worm, 12th Street Rag, and Clare de Lune. Whether it was attending the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Stage West, Jubilations Dinner Theatre, or listening to her 5-CD player, music was ever-present. Marilyn’s passion for music was passed along to her children, Janet, and Andrew, by saving up for a used piano so can take lessons and by providing a constant background of music in her home. In turn, her grandchildren, Jonathan, and Michael, learned to play on the same piano. 

 

Marilyn found great joy in children and animals, particularly dogs. Marilyn had a soft spot for dogs and in fact, four of Marilyn’s many dogs were adopted from relatives who couldn’t keep them. Similarly, the antics of children would always bring a giggle and a wide smile.

 

Marilyn cherished times spent with family, especially around the dinner table, whether it was in her hometown or later, in her own home and the kitchens of her friends and family. Marilyn loved to bake and was known for Mare’s Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies (see recipe on photo page) and her tasty Lebanese food. When she had time, Marilyn also enjoyed sewing. 

 

Among her most cherished memories were the vacations she shared with her family and friends. With Allen, Janet, and Andrew, she ventured out on numerous road trips to Saskatchewan, South Dakota, and BC. With Al Beitel, she explored Arizona in their fifth wheel, relishing the thrill of hiking and square dancing in new surroundings. Her travel included California, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Victoria, and Salt Spring Island.

 

Marilyn’s kind heart will leave the most memorable impact on those who knew her. Her compassion extended to all, be it friends, family, kids, or the gentle souls of animals. Marilyn's home was always open, a place of warmth and acceptance.

 

Marilyn will be deeply missed by her son, Andrew Arksey, daughter, Janet (Greg) Kawchuk, and grandchildren, Jonathan, and Michael (Taylor) Kawchuk. She is also lovingly remembered by her step-children, Lenore (Valerie) Beitel, Greg (Annette) Beitel, Janet (Dan) Ball, Ken Beitel, and Gerry Beitel; as well as her grandchildren, Kimberley (Darcy) Bell, Craig (Ella) Beitel, Stephen (Rachel) Hensley, Matthew, Sophie, Miranda, and Eric Beitel; and her great-grandchild, Jackson Bell.
 

Marilyn is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Gloria Ferris of Radville, SK, and Catherine (Tom) Wudkevick of Calgary, AB, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and a vast circle of friends.  She was predeceased by her parents, Mohammed and Violet Ferris, brothers, Butch Ferris and Dan Ferris, and sisters Ria Felber and Joan Ferris. She was also predeceased by her first husband, Allen, and second husband, Al.

 

Marilyn Arksey touched the hearts of many and left a lasting imprint of love and compassion. May her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all those who knew and loved her.     

 

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at 2:00PM. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Arksey's service streamed live on the day of the service at www.MHFH.com. A recording of the service will be posted afterwards. Condolences, memories, and photos may also be shared and viewed there.

 

If friends so desire, donations may be made to The Brenda Stafford Foundation, (4628 Montgomery Blvd NW, Calgary, AB T3B 0K7), Telephone: (403) 444-7222. https://thebsf.ca,  The Calgary Humane Society, (4455 - 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 2T7), Telephone: (403)205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca or Women In Need Society, (134 - 71 Avenue Fisher Park S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2H8) Telephone: (403) 255-7514, https://www.winsyyc.ca/donate.

 

In living memory of Marilyn Arksey, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.

 

 

Thank you for joining us for the live streaming of this event

(The event start time on our video player has automatically adjusted to match your time zone)

Our technical team does everything possible to ensure the best quality of the live-stream service. 

Unfortunately, there are times when the internet connection at the venue or where you are viewing from may cause interference and buffering.

We apologize if this is the case with today’s live stream, but we want to assure you that this service will be recorded and uploaded following the service.

 

August 20, 2023 - A new service recording is available to view below.