Marilyn Cropley

On September 8, 2023 while taking an afternoon rest in her own bed, Marilyn Cropley peacefully passed over to the realm she has long awaited. Marilyn was a deeply spiritual person who did not fear death. Those who knew her should be comforted by the fact that for some time she had felt like her place was no longer on this earth, speaking often about how she was ready to go when her body released her. While she waited to join her departed sister, mom, and dad in the spiritual world, Marilyn made the most of her time here. She reinvented herself more than once, including moving from her birthplace of Canton, Ohio to raise her family in Southern California in the 70s, and much later moving to Santa Barbara to be involved in her grandchildren’s lives. She reinvented herself again at age 72 by choosing to divorce, something both her and her former husband, Bill, would come to see as a gift that allowed them each to become their fullest selves in their later years while remaining good friends. Even after a debilitating stroke at age 78, she showed incredible strength by fighting to recover and thrive in a new environment with new friends and neighbors. She believed in the power of laughter, and could find humor in even the most frustrating circumstances. One of her favorite quotes was “Those who can laugh at themselves will never cease to be amused.” Marilyn experienced several hardships in life, from which she gained an intense empathy for people who were suffering. She was known for offering encouraging words and unconditional support, and was especially supportive to her own mother in her final years. She was a loyal friend and had deep relationships with several other phenomenal women, and was very close to her half-sister, Lynda. Marilyn earned a Master’s Degree and was a much-loved elementary school teacher for most of her career. But the role closest to her heart was that of a loving and patient mom who dedicated her life to supporting the dreams of her two children, Jason and Carrie. She was an exceptional and adoring Grami to her two granddaughters, Lilah and Cleo, who each cherished their close relationship with her. While she will be missed by many on this earth, those who love her know she is at peace and on to a new adventure. ILYA