Marilyn Jean Thompson Boehlke
July 9, 1943 ~ October 13, 2023
Marilyn Jean Thompson Boehlke was born on July 9, 1943, to Alec and Anne Smith in Empress Alberta. The family moved to Calgary in 1948 and then in 1952 took over the Dave and Jean Kiddie farm just northeast of Endiang. Marilyn welcomed her only sister Linda into the family on October 6, 1953.
Marilyn started school in Endiang and finished school in Stettler. She worked at the treasury branch in Stettler for a time and then transferred to the bank in Lacombe where she worked for a couple of years. She transferred to a bank in Calgary and moved in with her Grandma Smith.
She never talked much about her time in the city, but she did mention to us that she had placed 2nd in a beauty contest and showed us the newspaper clipping to prove it.
In 1965 mom married Gordon Boehlke and moved to Endiang where they raised four children: son Dave (Sheila) grandchildren: Tye (Aly), Logan (Celeste) and Shelby; son Mike (Sharie) grandchildren: Tierra (Kenan), Blayne, Danyal (Konnar) and Casey (Beau); daughter Lorri (Don) McLeod, grandchildren: Tyrell, Paige (Dylan) McPherson; and son Rob (Rainey) grandchildren: Makenna (Ricky) and Carter; great grandchildren: Julia, Grace, Macklynn, Bodhi and Alder.
The family moved to the Frank and Ida Boehlke farm in 1974 where mom tried her hand at numerous small businesses and hobbies such as upholstery, whiteware, macrame, painting and sewing. At some point she found that quilting was her true passion and is known all over for the beautiful quilts that she has made and given away over the years.
Marilyn worked in sewing shops in Stettler and Hanna. For a time, she owned her own shop in Hanna called Sew What.
After losing dad in 2004, mom remained on the farm for another five years until 2009 when she sold out and bought a place in Hanna. She happily quilted with friends on quilting retreats at the quilt shop and the “Goose”.
Marilyn passed away peacefully on October 13, 2023, after a five day stay at the Hanna Hospital. Thank you to the doctors and nurses that made her as comfortable as possible during her brief stay.
A Come and Go Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday October 21, 2023, 2:00 p.m., in the basement of the Endiang Hall.
If desired, donations in memory of Marilyn can be made directly to the Endiang Hall, (Endiang Community Society) General Delivery, Endiang, AB, T0J 1G0.
Hanna Funeral Services has been entrusted with the care and arrangements, 403-854-5956, www.hannafuneral.ca.