Obituary of Marilyn Yvonne Paradis

Marilyn was born on November 19, 1943 at Lashburn, Saskatchewan and raised on the Paradis farm at Ribstone, Alberta. Her parents, Ernie and Lucie Paradis had settled in the Ribstone area in 1947 where they raised their 5 daughters. After Highschool, she attended Vermillion College completing a 2 year Home Economics Program. One of her favorite hobbies was cleaning!! Having everything tidy and in order. Her sisters used to joke that if they had to get up in the night to use the bathroom, by the time they got back she would have the bed made! From Vermillion, she moved to work in Edmonton, and then Hobbema, Alberta. Marilyn moved to Yellowknife in 1970 to work for the Government of the NWT at Akaitcho Hall, a hostel for students from across the NWT (at the time including Nunavut) attending high school at Sir John Franklin. She loved working with young people and touched the lives of many of them while at Akaitcho Hall. Even recently she would often tell friends about how she would be shopping when she would hear someone call “Ms. Paradis”, and soon be talking to a former resident of Akaitcho. Everyone remembered her fondly from their time at Akaitcho; she continued working there until 1994 when Akaitcho Hall was closed. She then worked for Corrections in Yellowknife until she retired from GNWT. Following that, from January 1999 for seven and a half years she worked for TC Group of Companies managing their boarding home in Yellowknife and helping care for people from Nunavut, particularly the Kitikmeot region, who were traveling to Yellowknife for medical appointments. After a long and much respected career, Marilyn “retired” to Edmonton in 2006 and continued her work as a caregiver, often assisting families by providing care for people with dementia. In 2012, she moved to Sherwood Park continuing her caregiving work right up until the pandemic hit. She formed many close friendships at her Condo complex, becoming like a family there. She was valued by so many Families over the years as a caregiver and a friend. Much of her time was spent helping folks, whether they needed a little help with their rent or to borrow some money for food for the family. She helped indigenous artists by purchasing their artwork, often giving it away to friends since her home was already full. She had a really strong connection to people from the Kitikmeot in particular; Marilyn was a special person who had the ability to touch the lives of others. An ever attentive and loving daughter, sister, friend, Aunt and Den Mother. Marilyn kept busy feeding, cooking, cleaning, teaching and caring for anyone who needed her. Spending summers at the farm with her Dad for 17 years doing all house and garden chores. She always loved a good card game...sometimes making the rules up as she went along! This kind, friendly, caring and generous lady will be missed by many. Always active and curious. Marilyn was a member of the Order of Royal Purple, the female auxiliary of The Elks of Canada. A competitive curler and two time competitor at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, she enjoyed many outdoor adventures, was a proud cabin owner at Hastings Lake, was well travelled and she LOVED Canada's North. With a twinkle in her eye she would tell jokes and laugh with us. We will all miss her cheery manner and warm smile. Sadly, Marilyn passed away on June 13, 2020 at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 76. She leaves to mourn her passing, Sisters, Judy Krupp, Faye (Fred), Darren, Lara, Johnathon Stone; Brother in law, Rod Thirsk; Niece, Alana (Mel) Angeltvedt; Nephews, Brian (Tracie) Brielmeier and Chad (Patti) Thirsk; all special great nieces and nephews; as well as many special friends who she considered family and many other numerous relatives. Marilyn was predeceased by her parents, Ernie and Lucie Paradis;sisters, Linda Bierlmeier and Terry Thirsk; and nephew, Tim Bierlmeier. As per Marilyn’s wishes, a Private Family Graveside Service will take place at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Cemetery at Chauvin, Alberta with Father Moses officiating. If you wish to plant a tree in a local cemetery, please contact GFH directly at 780-753-2332.