Feb. 3, 1943 ~ Jan. 23, 2024
Our beloved mother and iron butterfly, Marilyn Jo Canoso Greenwood, age 80, passed away January 23, 2024 at the Heber Valley Assisted Living Center in Heber, Utah with her daughter, Amy, by her side.
She was born February 3, 1943 in Murray, Utah to Inocenzo James Canoso and Mary Katherine DeVecchi Canoso.
Marilyn attended Murray High School and graduated in 1960. She then went on to attend Utah State University, belonging to the Chi Omega Sorority. She majored in English with a minor in Psychology graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1964. Later in life she went on to obtain a Master of Psychology.
On July 10, 1965 she married the love of her life, Thomas (Tommy) Orson Greenwood, in the St. Vincent’s Catholic Church in Murray, Utah. They later had three beautiful children Merrie Jo, Amy, and Thomas James (T.J.). They were later divorced in 1991 after Tom’s tragic motorcycle accident in 1984 left him with permanent brain damage. Marilyn was briefly married from 1991-2002 to Frank Robert Eatchel, owner of The Heather Restaurant.
Marilyn was a devoted wife, mother, and excellent cook. She stayed home many years to take care of her children and “mother” was a treasured occupation to her. She believed there was nothing more important in life than being a mother. Marilyn always made sure that her children had everything before her own needs. She taught her children well. She gave us strength and self-esteem in knowing who we were and what we stood for. She taught us to stand up straight and to speak up, especially for those misfortunate around us. Kindness, thoughtfulness, and compassion was always a must! She would not tolerate us being mean to anyone, especially to each other. Family was everything to her.
Marilyn was always an advocate for the underdogs and even in her later years was resident advocate for those of limited capabilities in the facilities she lived in. She was a true believer that we needed to stand up for those who could not do it for themselves.
She taught many different subjects at numerous high schools that included Brighton, Granite, Delta, and Valley Mental Health. Delta High School became her favorite as she got to associate and teach her two daughters and their cherished friends. She also developed many friendships with the staff and faculty. Marilyn took on the challenge of teaching Geology and became addicted to Delta’s geographic area and was found rock hounding in the west desert frequently. She had a real passion for teaching all kinds of different learners when she became the high school teacher for Valley Mental Health Services later in her career. She also learned how to hunt and fish and took her beloved son, T.J., on many hunts and adventures.
Marilyn had an extremely high IQ and an avid reader even in her later years. She would read books by the dozens. Her family knew to never play Trivial Pursuit with her because she knew all the answers. It was a remarkable feat! Speech and Debate was her strength. She was quick witted and could debate with the best. She debated to the Utah State Legislature in opposition to the MX Missile Project to be placed just outside Delta, Utah. Her opposition was victorious. With this feat, she was named among the top ten influential women in Millard County. She served on many boards including the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce. One that she was very proud of was the West Millard Swimming Pool Board where she helped orchestrate the new building of the currently existing pool. Her expertise and knowledge came from many years as being a synchronized swimmer, lifeguard, and swimming instructor at the Murray Swimming Pool.
Marilyn loved the outdoors, cooking, reading, and flower gardening, but most of all, she loved her family. We as her children love her deeply. She will be truly missed by those that were around her. Her compassion for human beings will always resonate within us.
Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Merrie Jo (Rick) Smith and Amy Ann (John) Renola, daughter-in-law Nichole Howa Greenwood; 7 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her beloved and only son Thomas James (T.J.) Greenwood; brother Larry James Canoso, and her mother and father.
Her burial will be held at a later date in the Murray City Cemetery along the side of her mother. A celebration of life will be held at the time with her family.
A special thanks to all those wonderful people that took great care of her at the Heber Valley Assisted Living Center. We can’t thank you enough for your kindness, devotion, care, and selfless love shown to our mother. Her happiness there meant the world to us. Thank you so much!
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be given to the Heber Valley Assisted Living Center or to the Suicide Prevention Organization. Online condolences are available at www.jenkins-soffe.com.
