Marilyn and I have been pen pals since 1964. I lived in New York but moved to Colorado in 1973 and managed to visit Marilyn with a friend in 1984. Marilyn engineered a two week tour of the South Island for us and her friend Carolyn. We had a blast and learned a few tricks such as how to procure wine when all the shops and restaurants were closed and how to harvest oysters and store them in our swimsuits. We got some fish and chips and ate them on Marilyn's roof while watching the ships in the Wellington Harbor. I will always remember the great times we had during that time and also the faithful correspondence we kept up. Marilyn's letters were full of news and commentary and made me feel like I shared her life in NZ. And I will remember the multitude of sunsets that Marilyn photographed and shared on FB. I send my condolences to Warren, Miranda and Luke and all her family and friends. Cheers, (which is what Marilyn always said in closing) Joyce Tomanek Denver, Colorado

Many fond memories of time spent with Marilyn. From walking over a hill in Makara to enjoy the gin and tonic Marilyn had carted in her backpack, to sobbing at her place before Christmas 1988 when things went awry at the supermarket. It was only about 9.30 am. Her solution? Crack open a bottle of bubbles. There are beginning and endings with lifetimes in between. Marilyn certainly packed a lot into her life. Infinite love and gratitude Helen