Marilyn Joyce MACDONALD

1936 - 2024

Marilyn Joyce MacDonald (née Buchanan) October 6, 1936 - January 5, 2024 Marilyn died peacefully, January 5, 2024, at Trilogy Long Term Care Residence in Scarborough, at the age of 87. She was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Marjorie Buchanan; and her sister, Joan, her best friend, who died just six weeks before Marilyn. During the final hours of her life, her favourite songs were playing, and she was surrounded by her family. 'Maresy' was the dearly loved wife of Howard for over 65 years. During the past few years, and particularly during the isolation of the pandemic, Howard was the primary caregiver for Marilyn, whose physical and cognitive health started to fail in her 80s. His tremendous patience, selflessness, and devotion over these years was illustrative of his deep love for Marilyn. Marilyn was a devoted, warm hearted and generous mom to her three daughters, Jane (Chris), Martha (Bill) and Mary-Sue (Dave). She was a dearly loved aunt and 'second mom' to her niece, Heather; and nephew, Tim (Shanna-Lee). Marilyn had a way with children and was a 'hands on,' energetic, hilarious grandma. Her seven grandchildren adored her as much as she was crazy about each of them, loving them 'to the moon… and back,' which she wrote in almost every birthday card. She will be terribly missed by Evan (Julia), Andrew (Jenna), Evan; and Andrew's father, Adrian; Madison (Gilly), Carly (Sean), Amy, Kylie and Holly. Nothing in their young lives was ever quite as exciting as getting ready to have a sleepover at grandma and grandpa's house. There was always great fun and laughter in store when attending the annual December tradition of taking the GO train to the Ross Petty Productions Pantomime! Family cottage time on Mountain Lake, with Grandma and Grandpa, was also very special, especially swimming in the early evening on hot summer days and watching the sunset from the dock. Marilyn was born and raised in the Beaches area of Toronto and remained a Torontonian for life. She attended Malvern High School and on graduation, pursued a career as a registered nurse. It was during her nursing training at East General Hospital that she met Howard, who was an engineering student at the University of Toronto. Howard and Marilyn married in 1958, settling in the east end of Toronto, eventually settling in Guildwood, where they raised their family and lived for over 60 years. Marilyn was extremely gifted with children, and it was no surprise that she decided to practice paediatric nursing. After a hiatus in her career, when she raised her young girls, she returned to Centennial College in Scarborough to complete recertification courses in which she excelled. She spent the remainder of her career, until her retirement, working at Bloorview Children's Hospital, followed by community paediatric nursing. Marilyn had a team of incomparable caregivers who were shining stars in her life, providing stimulation, humour and ever-present, positive support to her as she struggled with her declining health. To her personal trainer/support, Janis, and caregivers, Fiona, Susan, Yvette, Sandeep and Kowsilla, there are no words to express our gratitude to you all. A special thank you to Susan for your presence and support of Howard during Marilyn's final days, and to Fiona, who went above and beyond, being with Marilyn right until the end. Thank you to the nursing staff at Trilogy Long-Term Care Residence for your care and for making it possible for her to have a dignified and peaceful death in familiar surroundings. Rest in peace lovely Marilyn. You are always in our hearts, and much loved. Those of us you have left behind will do our best to live by your excellent advice - always given with a wink of your eye - to 'be good… but not TOO good.' A Celebration of Life will be held for Marilyn at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 24th at Bluffer's Restaurant and Event Centre, 7 Brimley Road S., Scarborough. Refreshments will be provided.