Obituary of Marilyn Ann MacKay

Marilyn Ann Mackay

Feb 3^rd, 1937 – Mar 27^th, 2024

Marilyn Ann Mackay of Guelph, ON passed away peacefully on March 27^th, 2024, at the age of 87. She was born on February 3, 1937, as the 2^nd of five children to Dr. Gordon and Mary Mellow in Toronto.  She is survived by her sisters Shirley and Sally and predeceased by her brothers James and Godwin.

Marilyn spent her childhood in Guelph. There, she not only developed lasting friendships which have withstood the test of time and distance, but also met her high school sweetheart and lifelong husband Joh Mackay.  John’s career saw her and the family relocating several times throughout the province but in every city, Marilyn never failed to make and keep enduring friendships.

Together they had four children: Paul (Klaudia), Nadine, twins Leslie (deceased, survived by husband Martin) and Lori; six grandchildren: Nicole, Ryan, Hayley (Pablo), Mallory, Allan, and Josh, and one great-grandchild: Riley.

As a daughter, Marilyn was the bond that kept the family together. She was a natural caregiver and support system for the entire family. She went on to develop these traits as her own family grew.  Marilyn wore many hats while maintaining the foundation and structure of the family. Throughout her life as wife, mother and grandmother, she was also able to balance being a role model, cook, gardener, babysitter, chauffeur, spectator, and enthusiastic supporter. Long after she raised her own children, she twice more opened her home to chaos by giving two of her granddaughters a place to live while attending university in St. Catharines, ON.

As Marilyn’s health necessitated, she became a resident at Wellington Terrace LTC facility in Fergus, ON. Though her time there was short, the staff were compassionate and caring, making her feel safe, welcomed, and respected. We cannot express our gratitude for the professionalism and kindness they showed to our mother and all the residents.

A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be announced at a later date and the family asks that anyone who would like to share their condolences can make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada in lieu of flowers.

The MacKay Family