Marilyn Canon, a dedicated volunteer and advocate who balanced a successful career with a commitment to community service, died on September 6, 2022, at the age of 76. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 12, 1946, to Henry and Ida Thielsen, Canon’s life was marked by both personal fulfillment and a sustained dedication to civic engagement.
Canon’s passing was noted by Millikin University, from which she graduated in 1968 and where recent news also highlighted the passing of fellow alumnus Carl Poelker ’68 on March 19, 2026. She is survived by her brother, Hank, and her children, Michael and Nicole. Her husband, Kurt, and her parents preceded her in death.
Throughout her life, Canon demonstrated a remarkable capacity for balancing multiple commitments. She actively participated in the League of Women Voters, volunteered her time at both her church and the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, and became a vocal advocate for herself and others navigating medical challenges. This advocacy extended to supporting those with her own medical condition, though the specifics of that condition were not publicly detailed.
Canon’s commitment to future generations was evident in her leadership of a Girl Scout Troop and her assistance with a STEM program for teenagers through Stanford University. She also found joy in cultural enrichment, attending plays and operas with friends, participating in book and play clubs with the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and proving a formidable opponent in bocce ball.
Beyond her local contributions, Canon enjoyed world travel with her husband and friends, often sharing captivating stories of her experiences. She prioritized maintaining connections with friends and family, regardless of geographical distance.
A burial service honoring Canon was held at Pleasant Hills Memorial Park in Sebastopol, California, on September 24, 2022. A church service and memorial followed at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in Foster City, California, on October 1, 2022. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to MPNinfo.org or St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in Foster City.
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