MarilynKENYONThe very special daughter of the late Joseph and Doris Rigby. Devoted, dedicated and loving wife to husband Denis, ‘Simply The Best’ and most ‘amazing’ Mum of son Matthew, doting grandma to her three grandchildren, Willow, Alfie and Gibson, cherished mother in law of Katie, dear younger sister of Margaret and sister in law of Eric, very special auntie of Peter, Ian and Helen, beloved great auntie of Danielle and Kirsten, a special friend of many. Marilyn passed away peacefully in Blackburn Royal Hospital, aged 73 on January 24 surrounded by her family in the days prior and alongside her husband Denis and son Matthew. Marilyn was born on Ranger Street in Accrington, in May of 1951. The youngest daughter of her beloved dad, Joe and her very special mum, Doris. Marilyn attended Hannah Street County School as a young girl before moving on to St Christopher's High School. Upon leaving school, Marilyn worked at Woolworths in Accrington, a job she absolutely loved and talked about often. Whilst with friends in the Olympus Cafe on Union Street, Marilyn met local biker Denis. Together, they shared many happy memories at 80mph on Denis’ home built Triton motorbike. As a young girl Marilyn was a very proud Brownie leader, becoming the Brownie Queen was a moment she cherished her whole life, regularly sharing stories and memories with her family. In 1973 Marilyn and Denis married at St Peters Church in Accrington and shortly after relocated to Bolton-le-Sands near Morecambe where Marilyn worked in the village paper shop. They bought their first home in rag Bank prior to their only child Matthew’s arrival and built the most amazing family environment a little lad could wish for. Marilyn became a dedicated housewife and a naturally gifted mum. When Matthew started school in 1979, Marilyn took a part time job at Morphy’s Textile Mill in Carnforth, a place she and Matthew had very fond memories of. For a number of years in the mid to late 80s, Marilyn became a childminder, looking after Helen and David, Marilyn continued to stay in touch with them both right up to the present day. Shortly after the loss of Marilyn’s beloved dad, Joe, Marilyn, Denis and Matthew returned to the Accrington area in the summer of 1989, where Marilyn rekindled her love of Blackburn Rovers FC, spending many weekends throughout the 90s at home matches followed by a few sneaky pints in the pub with her good friend Rita. Marilyn enjoyed cooking for her family, simple but perfect dinners, enjoyed and remembered by us all. She enjoyed weekends away with Denis and her eldest granddaughter, Willow, often visiting Twycross Zoo, York, Beamish, the Norfolk Broads, and Center Parcs at Whinfell Forest. Marilyn’s greatest enjoyment in life were her three grandchildren. Most recently, she had been looking forward to the arrival of her fourth grandchild, a new baby girl. Marilyn will be sadly missed but very fondly remembered by all that knew her. Marilyn’s funeral service will be held at Accrington Crematorium on Wednesday, February 12 at 11.40am. Family flowers only please. Donations are being gratefully received in Marilyn’s memory on behalf of Alzheimer's Society. To make a donation please visit champfunerals. com/obituaries or sent to Champ Funeral Services.
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