Marilyn Jean Dwyer's Obituary
Marilyn Jean Dwyer (Charnholm) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones. In keeping with Scandinavian tradition, a window was open for her soul to take flight to heaven.
Marilyn was the first born of Harold Charnholm and Margaret Jean Beemer, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and baptized in the Lutheran Church in December 1937. Her sister Joann followed in 1941, and little brother Bill in 1945. In 1950 the family moved to Corvallis where Marilyn worked in her father's hardware store. Just after graduating High School, Marilyn went on a blind date and met James Albert Dwyer, an engineering student at OSU and they married September 15, 1957. Al and Marilyn had 60 wonderful years of marriage and two children, John Lawrence and Nancy Jean.
Marilyn prided herself on her clean house and always always had a snack on hand, whether you were hungry or not. The home she and Al maintained was always open and throughout her life filled the spare room by housing many family members and friends with them. She loved to garden and in earlier years you could find her out after dinner watering and pruning her favorite Japanese laceleaf Maple tree.
Marilyn adopted a philosophy on life from her Aunt Lois that you can catch more bees with honey rather than vinegar. She had this so ingrained that it was evident in her kindness to others, even as her faculties were failing, she had a kind word or compliment for everyone.
With an idea for a new business model, Marilyn became an entrepreneur with her Double M Value Company, selling Notions and other craft supplies to the women of Portland at a discount through her wholesale connections. She was also a lifelong volunteer in local schools, for the food bank Loaves and Fishes, in her church, and at the Kaiser baby care center, instilling in her children and grandchildren the value of volunteering.
Marilyn leaves behind Al her loving husband of 60 years, her son John, daughter Nancy (Philip), her grandchildren Sonja and Celine, her sister Joann and her family, brother Bill (Betty), and family, her closest niece Patricia Shaw, and a big family of nieces, nephews, and cousins all of whom she loved dearly.
The family would like to thank the medical staff at Landmark, especially Micah Bickler, NP for all of his care and compassion during her final weeks in home hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances be made to the St. Stephen's Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in her name.
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