Obituary of Marilyn ANTOS (nee Sawyer)

April 3, 1944 – Edmonton, Alberta
September 17, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marilyn Antos on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at the age of 76. 

Marilyn was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on April 3, 1944. She was the youngest child of George and Bessie Sawyer of Edgerton, Alberta. Growing up with her two siblings, Georgina and Innes, Marilyn spent many a summer day at the family’s Clear Lake cabin. This is where she learned to love the water and became an excellent swimmer. She became a lifeguard and worked at the Wainwright outdoor pool while in high school. After graduating from Edgerton High, Marilyn attended one year of studies at the University of Edmonton, where she was studying to be a teacher. After the untimely death of her father in December 1963, Marilyn finished up the first year of university but did not return in the fall. She attended McTavish Business College and became a top-notch secretary. She worked for Alberta Construction, Plains Western Gas, at Stelco, all in Edmonton. 

On January 7, 1967 she married Stan Antos of Viking, Alberta, in Marilyn’s hometown of Edgerton. The couple had three children: Mick, Lori, and Derek. With her husband in the banking business, the family lived in several towns in Alberta. With her lovely smile and warm personality, Marilyn was always welcomed in every community and made lifelong friends along the way. She loved being a stay-at-home mom to her three kids. She took immense pride in her home and her family, and we are so appreciative of all her hard work, the home cooked meals, the clean laundry, the spotless house, and the after school snacks.

Even though she loved being at home, puttering around with her plants and garden, Marilyn had the opportunity to do some traveling. Hawaii was a favourite, and she visited the Big Island and Oahu on two separate occasions each. She loved Penticton, Florida, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs. She cruised to Alaska and down the west coast of Mexico. For their fiftieth wedding anniversary, Stan and Marilyn sailed down to Honduras, Belize, and Mexico.

Marilyn loved her family. Becoming a grandmother to Shantelle in 1989 was such a blessing. Ben came along in 2002, Dion and Adam in 2006, and twins Brook and Dallin in 2008. Marilyn enjoyed many hours of playing with her grandkids – Barbies, board games, Mighty Machines, trains, and Hot Wheels. There was also lots of baking, card games, and some pretty amazing bathtub times. Watching hockey games and swim practices, she was always the number one fan in the crowd. She was so proud to be a great-gramma to Finnigan and Dublin as well – two very special boys in her heart.

Marilyn will be forever remembered by her beautiful smile and big green eyes, her love of plants, flowers, music, and Hawaiian sea turtles. She was warm and friendly and never had a bad word to say about anyone. She loved walking down her Beaver Bridge Trail chatting with people, especially those who had dogs. She was a warrior to the end and we will miss her. 

We love you Mare, Mom, Gramma, GG, Auntie Marilyn, BFF, Great-gramma, Marilyn.

Marilyn leaves behind her husband of fifty-three years, Stan, her children, Mick, Lori (Jay Woronuik), and Derek; daughter-in-law Sarah, grandchildren, Shantelle (Court Stratton), Ben, Dion, Adam, Brook, Dallin; great-grandchildren, Finnigan and Dublin; and her beloved extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Bessie Sawyer, her brother Innes, and sister Georgina.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Edgerton Agricultural Hall (Edgerton, AB) on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Covid-19 protocols are in place, so if you are planning to attend, the family respectfully requests that you RSVP to woronuik@shaw.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Marilyn’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Marilyn Antos, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.