MARILYN ROSE CALDWELL

It is with sadness, and a deep appreciation for a tremendous life well-lived that we announce the passing of Marilyn Rose Caldwell (née French) on June 23, 2024, from cancer. Lyn led a remarkable, independent life full of passion and adventure, and an unwavering drive to try new things. A proud Nova Scotian, Lyn was born to Marion (Wilson) and Roy French in Halifax on July 26, 1940. She graduated with a Kinesiology degree from the University of New Brunswick in 1962. There she met Doug Caldwell and married in 1965. They moved to Toronto, where she taught Physical Education and coached Track and Field teams to record-breaking victories at the Ontario Provincial finals. Lyn also cherished her days working at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in the 1960s and '70s. In mid-life, she went back to school and earned a Masters in Art History from the University of Toronto and taught the subject at the Lycée Canadien in Nice, France. Lyn was an impassioned authority on international sports and Art, teaching all of us about the brilliance of both. Lyn was a courageous, determined, and free-spirited woman. Divorced in 1976, she packed up and moved alone with her children, ages 5, 7, and 9 to a small town in the French Alps (Les Contamines-Montjoie). In so doing, she instilled in them a lifelong appreciation for nature and adventure. They went to learn French; they returned fluent, and also great skiers. A lover of diverse languages and cultures, she traveled to all continents except Antarctica. At age 65, she moved part-time to Ajijic, Mexico on her own. She taught Aquafit and yoga there up until February 2024. Lyn had a special appreciation for Mexico and adored her community in her home away from home. Lyn loved her family and friends more than anything in the world. She was a great mom and Nana, who fiercely advocated for her children and grandchildren right up until the end. Lyn was also passionate about tennis, sailing, opera, margaritas, cappuccinos, cycling, PEI, lobster, bridge, travel, making jewelry and knitting sweaters, Art "In case of a fire, grab the paintings, then save yourself", classic literature and films, and homemade ice cream. Lyn had a legion of admirers and was a role model to scores of young people. She was a class act. Lyn is survived by her three children, Douglas "Jake" Caldwell, Derek Caldwell (Rachel Brown), and Susie Caldwell Rinehart (Kurt Rinehart); her former husband, Doug Caldwell (Janet Leslie); her niece, Kathryn Andrews (Peter Gutelius); her nephew, Jeremy Andrews (Lisa Carroll); and her beloved seven grandchildren: Aidan, Celia, Zoë, Jessie, Hugo, Cole, and Hazel. The family would like to thank her friends around the world for their support. Also, thank you to the amazing staff at Princess Margaret, Christie Gardens, and her caregivers Abby and Sylvia. A memorial service will be held on the occasion of her birthday, July 26, 2024 at 1:30 pm at Toronto's Badminton and Racquet Club. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree or give to the Charity of Your Choice. She would likely have recommended supporting the Arts or causes that promote women in sports. Always the teacher (and never waiting for you to ask for her opinion), Lyn wanted her death notice to read, "STOP reading obituaries and go live your life!"