Marilyn Bonita Wray 1951 – 2009
Marilyn Bonita Wray (née Lawrence)
June 16, 1951 – May 14, 2009
Born to Clyde and Geraldine Lawrence (née England) in Caldwell, ID.
An active equestrienne in her youth, Marilyn was a trained vocalist and enthusiastic guitarist, an active church member and beloved babysitter. She attended Boise State University, graduating with a Masters in Criminal Justice and a second Masters in Social Work. She volunteered in schools as a family services social worker.
She met M. Douglas Wray in 1997, and they married June 28, 1998 at Hoverhome Mansion in Longmont, CO – the first couple to be married in that historic location. They had no children.
Marilyn worked at Lyons Elementary in the after-school ‘Kid Zone’ program and did organizing work for Boys and Girls Clubs of America. She attended Lyons Methodist Church in 2004. Unable to work full-time due to health issues, she was a dedicated wife and helpmate to her husband Douglas, managing his personal affairs and private consulting business with distinction and skill.
She was a gifted seamstress who created innumerable embroidered works including quilts and custom clothing. She loved sewing and her workroom was filled with excellent tools, fantastic material and happy voices. She lived to garden and do yardwork, cook and entertain her numerous friends. Hiking in the mountains was her second passion and she was famous for ‘marshalling the troops’ for a walk.
She was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma in October 2008, underwent chemotherapy and was declared in remission in April 2009. Approximately two weeks later cancer was detected in her spinal column and her condition deteriorated rapidly. She made the decision to spend her remaining time surrounded by loved ones, and departed swiftly and mercifully at 11 PM on May 14th at her home in Longmont, CO under Hospice care. Her ashes will be scattered in places dear to her, her friends and family.
She is survived by her husband Douglas, her sister Tanya Johnson of Carmel, CA, brother Vernon Golden of Boise Idaho, niece Ruth Hendrix of Rockvale, TN, brother Sonny Lawrence of Hope Sound, FL and uncle Leon Robertson of Nova Scotia. She was a proud member of the Robertson clan of Scotland and a living embodiment of their motto: Virtutis gloria merces.
Preceeded in death by her parents.
Contributions can be made in her name to:
Hospice Care of Boulder and Broomfield Counties
2594 Trailridge Drive East
Lafayette, CO 80026
and
Rocky Mountain Cancer Center
7951 E. Maplewood Avenue, Suite 300
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
A chronicle of her final days can be found here.
Private services will be held on June 14th in Rocky Mountain National Park where she and her husband dearly loved to walk together.
She was a devout Christian and true believer. Carrier of the Cross – now wearer of the Crown. She is sorely missed by all.
Ah, Doog…
I wrote a long comment here a few minutes ago, then neglected to supply name, email and hit “post comment.” I was unable to retrieve the comment. Suspect Marilyn may have had something to do with that. Perhaps, as she smiles through the new light, the new reality, the rebirth of her precious soul, she might have concluded, No, Doug doesn’t need those words right now.
I began my comment by noting that I’ve always wondered where you center resided (considering the good words you’ve provided over the years on my rants and raves, soliloquies and nonsense); the source of your strength, love, compassion. I concluded that the one picture in the San Francisco series provided the answer. M+D=Heart. It was Marilyn, wasn’t it.
From reading it all, everything you’ve posted, I will summarize my lost comments by simply affirming that Marilyn was my kind of gal. Horses, roses, hikes, cooking, children, margaritas. God, could she and I have had one helluva day together!
Once again, as with the passing of your father, I offer my sincere sympathy. I believe there is some logic, some gentle acceptance to the passing of a parent. I believe there is less logic, less acceptance to the passing of a spouse, a child before their time. Faith. Simply faith.
God bless you, Doog.
To Marilyn: Sew me a cloud of roses, dear heart, perhaps a horse or two in the thread. I will look for my cloud, as day slinks to night; I will know it by the message in the knots, D+M.
George
I miss her so much and think of her often. This was beautifully written in honor of an amazing woman. She affected my life so positively — from her singing, to teaching me two quilt, to her delicious food, and her kind guidance. I look forward to getting to walk and chat and laugh with her again some day. xo
I still have the CD she made just for Allison… sigh. Miss you folks – how are you doing?
It’s a cold, rainy day and I’m working when the italian version of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ came up on my music player. Of course I went on, life gave me no choice. Part of me lives forever at that awful bedside watching your Light fade slowly and finally wink out. In that darkness a part of my soul burst into incandescent flame and raged at the dark. I will never forget how you made fun of me when I cried the first time we saw Titanic and this song played. You were always so much stronger than I. I miss you. I wish you were here to make fun of me now. I would welcome your humor and fearlessness. Somewhere there are angels working hard because you’re on the job. Heaven’s a better place for your presence – and the Earth so much less. One day O’ Wife. One day.
I needed to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of
it. I have got you book-marked to look at new things you post…