"A limb has fallen from our family tree that says grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the good life I lived while I was strong".

At the tender age of 62, Marilyn Jean Thornhill of Fortune left this world on May 30th, 2023 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Although small in stature, she was big in presence. She loved wholeheartedly her husband Howard, daughter Siobhan (Kiley), daughter Melissa (Phil), four grandchildren Aidan, Aaron, Alyssa and Alison, and her beloved dogs Ruby and Rudy. Always one to instigate any type of shenanigans and have a laugh, she loved a good party, a drink and a 'smoke'. She remained courageous and witty throughout her illness, determined to fight and enjoy every day she had with her family.

Howard, the love of her life and devoted husband of 45 years, will miss her immensely but cherish the memories of her for his lifetime. They spent countless hours going for drives, searching for sea glass on the beaches, and barbecuing in the Oink and Doink. Howard was her voice and strength when she had none. He cared for her in every way possible during her illness with tenderness, love and compassion.

Siobhan and Melissa were fortunate enough to spend the last several weeks with their mother. They spent time talking, laughing and crying with her, continuing to make as many memories as possible. They had sleep overs in the family room and took Marilyn for many rides outside in her wheelchair, aka 'the Cadillac'. They will miss her frequent calls and the terms of endearment (lol) she often called them fooling around. 'Our mother taught us everything except how to live without her'.

Marilyn worked in several restaurants early in her life. She became a phenomenal cook and baker. She could often be found in the kitchen cooking up a feed for everyone or making one of her many delicious desserts or pies that her family became accustomed to. She worked hard for FPI and made many friends during her time there. When she left FPI, she completed her high school diploma and went on to complete the personal care attendant course at Keyin College. This is where she found her calling in caring for the residents at the Blue Crest Nursing home. She loved each dearly and often recalled fond memories of her time there. She was often greeted by the resident’s family members when out to the store expressing gratitude for her care, patience and fun loving attitude.

Leaving to mourn a large circle of family and friends, including special friend Cathy Youden. A special thanks to sisters in law Shirley Bungay and Emma Mae Strickland for all the care and love they provided to Howard, Marilyn, Siobhan and Melissa. The chats over tea with homemade treats will never be forgotten. Thank you to Tammy Stone, community health nurse for her wonderful compassion and care. Thanks to Dr. Mayo, Dr. McCarthy, nurse practitioner Jacklyn Hillier, and all the other healthcare professionals she encountered during her illness. You made her journey pain free and as easy as possible - for that we will be forever grateful.

'The Loss is Immeasurable but so is the love left behind'.

In Marilyn's memory donations may be made to Blue Crest Cuddle Bed Project. Donations for the Cuddle Bed can be made at the following website https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-burin-peninsula-health-care-foundation-inc/?mprompt=1 Make sure you select Blue Crest Home - Grand Bank in the drop down box and then under add a message Cuddle Bed.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Wiseman’s Funeral Homes – Fortune.

“Our Family Serving Your Family”

www.wisemansfh.ca