It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marilyn Patricia Pelland (Masse).  She passed away at the age of 65 years old, on August 9, 2022 surrounded by her family after a short battle with cancer.

Marilyn was born on January 25, 1957 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Leo John Masse and Jean Lavine Stewart.  She was the oldest of five siblings.  She moved to Vancouver, BC in 1965 and went on to raise her five children in the Tri-Cities (Maple Ridge and Port Coquitlam). She is survived by her spouse of 32 years Loran Craig Atkins, her mother Jean Lavine Stewart, her sister (Darlene), her 2 brothers (Ron and Dave), her children Kristyn (Dave), Darien (Jessica), Jordan (Fallyne), Meghan (Anthony), Shanayne and her 6 grandchildren.  Her father Leo and brother Richard predecease her.

Marilyn lived life passionately and to the fullest, loved with her whole heart, gave generously to others and made friends everywhere she went. She was a social butterfly that lit up rooms and has often been described as beautiful on the inside and out. She was deeply loved by many for her kindness, free spirit, fun personality, loving and compassionate ways, infectious smile and laugh, joy of life and her dedication and loyalty to family and friends. She devoted her life to her spouse and five kids; they were her world and she would do anything for them.  She was inherently the second mother to so many other kids that came into her life; treating them as one of her own. To her own kids, she was not only a mother, but a best friend; someone that you would call daily just to chat, a mentor, a drinking wine pal, a Friday night dinner date, a weekend getaway buddy and the strongest woman role model in their lives.  Her greatest achievement in life was her children, and seeing them all grow into the unique and accomplished adults they became. In addition to raising her own large family, she was always employed in a helping role; she worked at Woodlands (where she met her spouse), at a health unit, as an education assistant and as a respite and homeshare provider for individuals with disabilities. Through her years of employment, she formed many incredible and lifelong friendships that she maintained into her retirement years. She was also a proud and devoted grandmother to her grandchildren who nicknamed her “fashion grandma” and loved spending time with grandma where all the rules would be broken.

Marilyn’s friends and family would describe her as a foodie and wine lover with a good sense humor, style, and fashion. She was passionate about cooking while sipping on a glass of red wine. She touched people’s hearts with her food; holiday and special occasions were always made special by her preparing elaborate meals for large gatherings of family and friends. She also loved a good adventure whether it be traveling, doing activities with the grandkids, going for rides in Loran’s hot rod, finding a new patio to have a Caesar on, winning at the casino or socializing with friends and family.  Throughout her life, she enjoyed acquiring different properties where family could all spend quality time together at; many memories were made at Green lake Cabin, Black Mountain Ranch, trips in their RV and just recently Hawkins Lake Cabin.  In her down time, she enjoyed trying new recipes, watching Rachel Ray, reading a good romance novel, and gardening.

She was too young and full of life to go so soon and unexpectedly. She had many more things she wanted to do and experience but her memory will live on in all of those she has left behind and all the beautiful memories of her will be forever remembered and cherished.  She still can be found in every glass of red, in the recipes she taught, in every sunset and every mountain.

There will be a funeral at the Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel and Crematorium at 2 pm on Sept 17/22 (11969 216th St. Maple Ridge) followed by a celebration of her life at the Maple Ridge Equestrian Center (The Ranch) from 4-7 (21973 132 Ave, Maple Ridge).

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation or BC cancer.