Marilyn Jane McMahon, 76, of Colville WA, went to be with our Lord on March 21, 2022 while in the care of Providence Mt. Carmel hospital. The victim of a strong and sudden stroke, she passed peacefully with her two children by her side. She suffered from Multiple Sclerosis for most of her life but never lost her dignity. Born in Calgary, Alberta to Dr. Kenneth L Miles and author Mary Lillian Miles on March 27, 1945, she was the third of four children.

Growing up in the Seattle area, she graduated from King's Garden High School in 1963 and for the rest of her life loved to talk about those times, always willing to demonstrate the routines she had learned as a cheerleader there. And how she loved the music! Following her father's lead, Marilyn took up the violin, eventually becoming first chair in the Seattle Junior Symphony. As the daughter of a Baptist minister, she had an encyclopedic knowledge of the old hymns and in later years would often treat those around to an a cappella rendition of any hymn that happened to be on her mind. She was a faithful woman who loved the Lord and her family.

After an introduction by friends, Marilyn met James (Buzz) Olson and they soon married, having two wonderful children together. Though the marriage didn't work out, they remained friends for the rest of their lives.

After being introduced to the area by her sister, Marilyn and her two children moved to Colville in 1981 and soon after met, then married, John McMahon of Kettle Falls. They were married until his passing on May 28, 2000.

Marilyn is survived by her two children - the "Lights of Her Life" - Erik Olson of Colville, WA and Tami (Jason) Winkoski of Deer Park, WA; 2 grandsons, Jacob (age 14) and Jonah (age 13) Winkoski of Deer Park, WA; a sister, Dr. Margaret Miles of Berkeley, CA; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, stepchildren, and step-grandchildren whom she all loved so dearly. The family would like to acknowledge her very special caregiver, Lisa Dyar with All Ways Caring, who provided love, friendship, and exceptional care during her time with Marilyn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband John R. McMahon; older sister Dorothy Hurt; younger brother Wendell Miles and numerous others that she had met through the years and had always considered her 'family'.

A memorial service will be held at Danekas Funeral Chapel on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 1:00pm. A reception will follow directly after at Goldfinch Restaurant in Colville. All who knew her and were touched by her presence are welcome.

Please visit the online memorial page and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com . Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted in care.