Ells, Marilyn Cameron (MacNab) – Age 85, Truro, NS, died peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit, Colchester East Hants Health Centre, on Friday, August 23, 2024. She lived with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) for many years, which progressively limited her activities.

Marilyn was born September 28, 1938, in Amherst, NS, the daughter of the late Charles Gordon MacNab and Daisy Estella (Cameron) MacNab, of Upper Malagash, NS. She grew up on their family farm and attended schools in Malagash and Tatamagouche. She earned a B.Sc. in Home Economics with an NB Teachers license, from Mount Allison University in Sackville NB.

As a home economist, Marilyn worked with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Marketing, at the Agricultural Canada Research Station in Kentville. She was assigned to Hants, Kings, and Annapolis counties, supporting 4H club and Women’s Institute programs that took her into several rural communities. She became well-known through her work-related radio broadcasts on CKEN Radio.

She and Dale Ells were coworkers. Their relationship blossomed and they were married in 1962. When they started their family, Marilyn became a full-time homemaker.

The family moved to Truro in 1966, when Dale began new duties with the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. For 27 years, Marilyn took an active interest in his many NSAC responsibilities associated with student life, college administration, and international programs.

Marilyn was engaged in the activities and education of her children, both at home and in the community. With courage she tackled challenging projects; one being the improvement of the MacNab Hill Cemetery and its ownership structure. She had a knack and willingness to understand people who could not easily express themselves. Her artistic talents showed in many forms of needlework and her presentation of meals for family and guests. Later in life, she enjoyed travels with Dale, including visits to Scotland and Canada’s north.

She maintained an active presence in the lives of her and Dale’s relatives and appreciated many visits to their homes.

She is survived by her husband, Dale; son, Cameron (Jennifer); daughter, Carolyn (Terry); sister, Carolyn (Harold) McIlquham; nephew, Jim (Susan) and their daughters, Heather (Zack) and Shannon; nephew, Walter (Christine) and their children, Kaitlyn (Ronald), Valerie (Chris) and Gordon (Amanda). She was predeceased by her brother, James Austin MacNab.

In keeping with her wishes, on September 14th at 11:30am, a family-centered graveside service and a celebration of her life will be held in the MacNab Hill Cemetery, Upper Malagash, and continue with a luncheon in the Malagash Mine Community Hall.

Donations in her memory may be made to the MacNab Hill Cemetery Society, 275 King St., Truro, NS B2N 3L7; by e-transfers through MacNabHillCemeterySociety@gmail.com or to a church or charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro, NS. Online condolences are available at www.ColchesterCommunity.com.