Marilyn May Bean

Marilyn was born on December 28th, 1954 to Phil and Florence Neigel. She was second born of four children. Tommy Neigel (Linda), Doreen Gelech (Gene), and Paul Neigel (Shari). They grew up homesteading in Eureka River AB.

Marilyn married at age 21 to Oral Bean (predeased) and had four children, Walker, Amber and the twins – Myles and Horton. The marriage ended around 20 years and Marilyn went on to live in multiple areas in southern BC. She received her hair dressing course while in Cranbrook and eventually moved back to Alberta. She resided in Drayton Valley AB for many years and that is where she met Al Martin, her current common law partner. In 2015 Al and Marilyn moved to Hines Creek so they could be close to her children.

Marilyn was predeceased by her parents, her brother Tommy, her son Horton.

Marilyn held many talents throughout her life. As a young girl she fell in love with reading and books. She dabbled in multiple creative art forms, some of the most prominent being painting, drawing and music. She had more hobbies than most and she was always trying something new. Her love of sewing and quilting was one that topped all others, and we are fortunate to have homes filled with her stitched gifts.

Marilyn was a great cook/baker, and she had pride in growing her own food. She was known for gardening, harvesting and preserving abilities and making anything from scratch. Her homemade salves and elixirs were well known healing remedies because of her vast knowledge of herbs. Her homemade beverages were also enjoyed by many.

Marilyn was a genuine, one of a kind woman who had a great sense of humor and a positive attitude. She was funny and used her humor to get through the tough times. Her one liners and hilarious antics will live on in the stories we share. She made many lasting memories along her journey, enjoying life by her own rules. She did not always have an easy road and proved to be resilient and resourceful in the face of hardship.

She was fiercely proud of her children, her grandchildren and loved her friends and family dearly. She taught us to always try our best, to be brave, always forgive and help those in need. She loved with sincerity and we are fortunate to have her imprint on our hearts. As one of her last notes reads, “love is all that counts in the end”, so in her honor, love each other. She will be missed beyond measure; but she told us to keep living and loving, to be strong and to take care of each other, so that’s what we will do.

Marilyn spent her last days surrounded by loved ones, succumbing to the hard fought battle with cancer. She left this world on December 15, 2025 at age 70. A memorial service will be held in the spring, her favorite season; the date to be announced later.

Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home Fairview (Kristi Heck) 780-835-3306

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