Marilyn Cunada

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marilyn Cunada at home with some siblings by her side on January 4, 2023.

She is survived by devoted 4 sisters and 4 brothers - Araceli, Perla, Homer (Ayet), Mario (Aleksandra), Sonia, Rafael (Baby), Leo (Lysbeth) and Susie (Ricky), as well as nephews and nieces and grandnephews and grandnieces. She was predeceased by her parents, Eutiquio and Mercedes (de Pedro) Cunada.

Marilyn was born in Pilar, Capiz, Philippines on March 12, 1941. She attended Pilar Elementary School and then High School at Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus in Iloilo City. She took pre-nursing courses at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City to start her ambition of becoming a nurse. She was then accepted at the Hospital de San Juan de Dios School of Nursing in Manila and graduated in 1963. It was a great achievement for her because our parents, relatives and friends were happy she crossed a milestone in her life. After passing the Board Examination for Nurses, she worked at St. Anthony Hospital in Roxas City, Capiz as a registered nurse.

After attending a presentation inviting nurses to work in the Netherlands, Marilyn accepted the job offer to work in Utrecht, Holland for 2 years, after which she headed to South Dakota, USA for another 2 years before heading to Vancouver in the early 70’s.

After getting her immigrant status in Canada, Marilyn worked in BC for a few years and then returned home to the Philippines to complete her bachelor’s degree in Nursing. When she returned to Vancouver and worked at various hospitals, she started sponsoring her siblings. Since she wanted to accommodate more siblings to immigrate to Canada, she bought a house in Vancouver and ultimately in Coquitlam.

During her life, Marilyn did a lot of traveling visiting European cities as well as joining pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Lourdes, Fatima and Medjugorje.

After her retirement at Vancouver General Hospital, Marilyn dedicated her life to serving God and the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS). Her deep faith and spiritual devotion guided her in all that she did, and she was an inspiration to many.

As a retired nurse, Marilyn brought her compassionate and caring nature to her work in the community. Her selfless spirit and warm personality will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved her, but her legacy as a devoted lay Carmelite and servant of God will live on through the countless lives she touched during her time with us.

Prayers and Viewing for Marilyn will be held on January 19, 2023, and the Funeral Mass on January 20, 2023, both to be held at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Coquitlam. Burial will take place after the Funeral Mass at the Gardens of Gethsemani in Surrey.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.