Marilyn Joy Deacon

Our dear Mother, Marilyn Joy Deacon at 92, passed into heaven peacefully on June 25th, 2023, joining her husband of 59 years to Robert Deacon. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Minnie Kilber and six siblings, Leo Kilber, Sally Forgey, Jean Lindquist, Roselle Washburn, Vi McCarthy, Verney Erion. She is survived by her loving children and spouses, Cindy (John) Lehmann, Graham Deacon (Robin Brown), Jenny (Rob) Nelly, Marshall Deacon, (Vanessa O'Brien). Marilyn has five surviving grandchildren, Laurisa Baer, Hanna Deacon, Emily Deacon, Britney Lehmann Colton and Jessica Lehmann Melton, plus four great grandchildren. Marilyn was born on September 24, 1930 in Artas, South Dakota and grew up during the Great Depression. Her family moved to Salem, Oregon, where she lived and graduated from Salem High School. She grew up not having very much, so when her family became more financially stable, her mother, plus sisters, only wanted new things. They were all very stylish and dressed in clothing of the day from the best stores. She married Robert Deacon and together raised their four children. Her husband Robert, (Bob), was a successful geologist and she learned to adapt to his profession of traveling, rock collecting, hiking and fun outdoor activities of camping and fishing. She and Bob traveled to world countries of Iran, England, France and Scotland. She enjoyed nice clothing, a garden full of flowers and good cooking. Together, Marilyn and Bob put together some amazing gourmet dinners. She was very active in church and arranged the flower arrangements nearly every Sunday. As a family, visiting many of the beautiful mountains and coast of Oregon were popular destinations for vacations and weekends. Together, they raised four outstanding children who all succeeded in their chosen fields. She and Bob were very active in both sides of family gatherings, Kilbers and Deacon’s, plus involved in their grandchildren’s lives. After living in the Portland area for many years Marilyn and Bob built a beach cabin at Oceanside, Oregon and resided there until Bob passed in 2011. Marilyn was ready for retirement living and enjoyed the social life and caring attention given to her at the Springs of Tanasbourne and Wilsonville. She endured a fall resulting in a fractured hip in 2019, two Covid-19 illnesses and coped with dementia for her last 10 years. She was a loving, caring person, always putting others ahead of herself. Her beautiful smile and bright eyes were with her until her very last day. A celebration of her life is planned for September 20th, 2023, at Oceanside, Oregon Community Center. 11:00 am -2:00 pm.

Marilyn Joy Deacon

September 24, 1930 - June 25, 2023