The city of Gaborone, Botswana, is mourning the loss of Marilyn Garcin, a devoted humanitarian and co-founder of Journey of Hope Botswana, a non-governmental organization dedicated to community empowerment and support. Marilyn passed away on August 1, 2025, following hospitalization. Her death has left a deep void in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues, and the many lives she touched through her tireless service.
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A Journey of Purpose and Impact
Born in Plettenberg Bay in South Africa’s Western Cape, Marilyn’s journey of service began early. She attended Outeniqua High School in George, followed by studies at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where she gained knowledge and practical skills that would later become the foundation of her impactful work in Botswana.
Marilyn later moved to Gaborone, where she built a home, married, and quickly became a beloved figure in the community. Known for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication, she committed herself fully to causes that improved the lives of others.
Co-Founding Journey of Hope Botswana
In 2008, Marilyn co-founded Journey of Hope Botswana alongside Bev Denbury and Rita Keogh. The organization was established to support vulnerable populations, raise awareness about breast cancer, and promote resilience within Botswana’s communities.
For 16 years, Marilyn was the driving force behind the scenes. With her background in the hospitality industry, she skillfully managed logistics for the organization’s largest annual event, The Journey—a nationwide tour offering health education, screenings, and community engagement. She coordinated transportation, accommodation, and meal preparation, ensuring every participant and volunteer felt welcomed, supported, and inspired.
Her homemade quiches, rusks, and brownies became legendary among volunteers—symbols of care and nourishment that captured her generous spirit.
A Legacy of Leadership, Love, and Service
Marilyn wasn’t just a logistical mastermind—she was the heart of the organization. Colleagues and volunteers describe her as gentle yet strong, a natural leader whose presence cultivated connection, encouragement, and purpose. She brought people together and left every community stronger than she found it.
Her contributions extended far beyond her formal duties. She nurtured a spirit of comradeship and compassion, mentoring younger volunteers and supporting those in need with a listening ear and an open heart.
Honoring a Life Well-Lived
Marilyn Garcin’s death has been met with an outpouring of grief and gratitude from across Botswana and beyond. Journey of Hope Botswana paid tribute to her with heartfelt words, recognizing her role as an irreplaceable leader whose vision and warmth built a lasting foundation of hope.
Her legacy lives on through the ongoing work of the NGO she helped create, the communities she served, and the volunteers she inspired. Marilyn’s life reminds us that change is often made not through grand gestures, but through consistent kindness, thoughtful action, and love for humanity.
In Loving Memory
Marilyn Garcin leaves behind a remarkable story of selflessness and service. Though her passing is a profound loss, her memory endures—a beacon of compassion, a pillar of strength, and a true example of what it means to live with purpose.
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