Marilyn Joan Simpson

SIMPSON, Marilyn Joan Marilyn Simpson, retired teacher, education assistant, practical nurse, sister, aunt, wife, mom, and most importantly, Nana, passed away on the third of August, 2021, with all the love we could surround her with. She leaves behind a wealth in family: daughters; Lisa Corlett (Kevin), Erinn Dawe (Geoff), Hilary Simpson (Dean), as well as her greatest loves, her grandchildren; Zachary Tomlinson, Emily Tomlinson, Hailey Martens, Darcy Dawe, Sophie Dawe, and Heidi Simpson. She also leaves behind a legacy of students that she was very proud of, from her first classes as an EA to her last kindergarten class at Ladysmith Primary School. Marilyn was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Cliff Simpson, on October 1st, 2018. Although he is waiting for her, it is so very hard to see her go. She was born Marilyn Joan Carlow on December 26, 1950 at the St Joseph's hospital in Victoria, BC. A Boxing Day baby for Bubs and Goldie Carlow. The middle of five children, she grew up in Victoria, graduating from Vic High in 1968. She met and soon married Clifford Simpson in 1969 and after a short stay in Calgary, and a return to Victoria to start their family, they settled in Ladysmith to raise their girls and countless dogs. Summers and holidays were spent on Gabriola Island with all of Marilyn's extended family, where she could always be found on a beach and with a book. There were road trips to every family reunion, and lots of camping, a favourite of all the grandkids. When Marilyn joined Cliff in retirement they travelled extensively, falling in love with Greece, New Zealand, Mexico, Patagonia, swaths of Europe, China, and Hawaii, to name just a few. They had great friends and made great friends as they went, but they were always each other's best friend. Mom was brave in the face of her cancer diagnosis and treatment, and now we will be brave taking these first steps without her. Please join us for an open house on Saturday, August 7th at 599 Hillcrest Ave, between 11-3 to celebrate Marilyn's life. She was a lifelong learner and avid reader: in lieu of flowers donate to a local library, school, or classroom.