Obituary of Marilyn Isabella Bodnar

May 14, 1943 – Lafleche, Saskatchewan

February 27, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Marilyn (née Hooker) passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at the age of 80 years. She died exactly where she wanted to be; in the home she carefully tended to for 52 years.

Born in Lafleche, SK, Marilyn was fundamentally a farm girl who loved to run around barefoot. She was never happier than when surrounded by her family underneath Saskatchewan’s huge blue skies.

Marilyn married her love, George Bodnar, in 1963. A slightly disruptive guest at their wedding reception was her escape artist blue budgie Ross, rumoured to be named after Saskatchewan premier Ross Thatcher, and who represented Marilyn’s lifelong political values.

The couple began their life together in Saskatoon, with George working as a power lineman for SaskPower and Marilyn as a librarian at the University of Saskatchewan. A firm believer in the value of a good education, something she passed on to her children, Marilyn graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology.

Opportunity brought them to Alberta, and the pair landed in Calgary in the early ’70s. George then began his long career with the City of Calgary Electric System.

Marilyn loved her community of Lake Bonavista. She spent many years advocating for the Lake Bonavista Figure Skating Club, often arguing for better and more ice times, and her final role was as club president. She also sat on the community’s board of directors. The Recreation Centre was her second home, and its people her extended family. The many, many hours she spent dedicated to her community led her to being awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation in 1993.

Perhaps the most fun Marilyn had, however, was as manager of the Lake Bonavista Community Bingo, where she and her bingo buddies spent years of Thursdays and Saturdays together in the Rec Centre gym.

Motherhood came naturally to Marilyn, and she was known to have been very creative in handling three children under three years old. A set of twins was the best surprise of her life, she often said, and during winter days she would sometimes drag all three behind her on a sled as she visited friends.

Her daughter Michelle, as well as her sons, Michael (Kat Hopper) and Cameron (Keri-Lynn McGrath), will miss her every day and are grateful for the fine example she set for how to treat others. Marilyn was the best nana to her treasured Annamaria, Michael’s daughter, who she adored spoiling and truly loved “to the moon and back.”

An incredibly intelligent person, Marilyn was an avid news watcher and could easily finish the New York Times crosswords (even Sunday) without having to look anything up. She would also often plow her way through two or three novels in a week. But perhaps her greatest talent shone when she was at her sewing machine. She handmade all of Michelle’s dance and figure skating costumes, staying up late to master the intricate beadwork and continuously tweaking her designs.

Also an extremely generous person, Marilyn never hesitated to give. She will be remembered for her bottomless brown eyes, her big belly laugh, her sweet kindness, her ability to recreate her mother’s amazing recipes by heart, and her firm and deep commitment to that which is fair and just. 

Marilyn is survived by her little brother Jerry Hooker (Louise), who she doted on, and her sister-in-law Michele Hooker, who was a wonderful partner to Marilyn’s older brother Murray. Marilyn was predeceased by her husband George, brother Murray, her parents, Joan and Jim Hooker, and several dear friends with whom she will be happy to reunite.

A lifelong animal lover (birds included), Marilyn will also be greeted by the beloved dogs in her life, all of whom were permanently by her side, usually cuddling with her on her bed. Gigot, Sam, Sammy and Brandy, and Coco will be thrilled to receive treats again just for being the very best doggies in the world.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Calgary Health Foundation – Foothills Medical Center, Suite 800, 11012 Macleod Trail S.E., Calgary, AB T2J 6A5, Telephone: (403)943-0615, www.thetrust.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Marilyn’s family here.

In living memory of both George and Marilyn, two trees will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.