Marilyn Fletcher

1941 - 2021

Marilyn Jean Fletcher, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, farmer, crew cook, gardener, seamstress, philosopher, inventor, spiritualist and inquiring mind, passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at the age of 79 years.

As a result of the restrictions regarding COVID-19 and the government recommendations, a private funeral service was held at Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber on Saturday, February 27, 2021 with Shelly Bassett officiating. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.

Besides Grant, her loving husband of sixty years, Marilyn leaves to cherish her memory their three children Janine (Tom) Paterson of Taber and their family Candis Derksen (Darin), Stacy (Darren) Pelesky (their family Nixon and Aubree) and Daina Paterson; Judy (Andy) Astalos of Sylvan Lake and their family Ryan (Tabitha) Astalos (their family Haylen and Farah), Samantha (Chad) Priegnitz (their family Lucas and Ayla) and Megan Astalos (her family Kacey and Mikaela); David Fletcher (Heather) of Blackfalds and their family Devin Fletcher and Blanca Fletcher (their family Sofia, Eiza and Adalynn), Shawn Fletcher (Brittany) (their family Zander, Jazlin and Zayla), Dallen (Amal) Baugh (their family Brooklyn and Tala) and Kayla Baugh. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Cecile (Roger) Jespersen; sisters-in-law Roberta Robson, Judy Plunkie and Arlene Lowe; former daughter-in-law Kathy Rempel, former son-in-law Daniel Derksen and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents Chris and Jessy Riis, her brothers Jack Riis, Roger Riis and daughter-in-law Wanda Graber. She was also predeceased by Grant’s parents Ken and Wanda Fletcher, Grant’s brother Allen Fletcher and brother-in-law George Lowe.

Marilyn was born in Bentley on November 12, 1941. The family spent time in Millarville before moving to Devon where Marilyn grew up with her two younger brothers. She moved to Olds to attend college where she met Grant. They were married on October 15, 1960 in Devon and moved to the Fletcher Farm, south east of Taber where they spent the majority of their married life.

Marilyn was truly an incredible matriarch, as she simultaneously raised her children and helped raise all the grandchildren, fed many large farm crews and was an accomplished domestic engineer in its grandest form.

In addition to life on the farm, Marilyn was a lifelong learner and graduated from the University of Lethbridge at the age of fifty five with a Bachelor of Science.

Marilyn touched the lives of so many and she will be deeply missed.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Marilyn’s name may be made directly to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 - 50 Avenue Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9 www.tdhf.ca.

Grant and his family are deeply grateful to the many health care providers who cared for Marilyn with a special thank you to the Taber Home Care team.