Marilyn Gail Jones

Marilyn’s love for her family was absolute. She was the devoted wife of John for 55 years; the selfless mother of Steffan (Katherine), Christopher, and Melissa (Stu); and the world’s greatest Nana to Devon and Jaime, Charley and Sam, and Hayden, Renn, and Lochlann. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Denise (Nigel), and the cherished mother of her granddaughters, Leanne (Greg).

Made of British steel, Marilyn grew up in a terraced house in Rawtenstall, England, where one Christmas her favourite present was an orange. She willed herself a different life, graduating from Cardiff University, emigrating with her young family to Canada, and teaching at Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario, before her well-earned retirement to Ottawa. 

She visited dozens of countries on six continents, kept an immaculate house and garden, mastered the written word, ironed clothes until their creases could cut paper, and ran a marathon. She also made the most glorious gravy dinners. Like everything she did, they were the product of her signature blend of love, resolve, and sorcery, and impossible to replicate.

Marilyn’s death came too soon, after long struggles with Parkinson’s disease, lung cancer, and multiple strokes. We’re grateful to all the medical professionals who helped her and so us. She fought to her last breath, and her final gift was to bring her three admiring children closer than ever at her bedside.

We were all so lucky to have her in our lives, and we will love and miss her forever.

She was the best.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marilyn’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society.

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