Marylin Margaret Howland

Marylin died unexpectedly on November 19 at home in West Lafayette, IN. She was born in Toronto Ontario, Canada to parents Harold D. Boundy and Mary Boundy (Nee Campbell). Mary was born in Scotland and Marylin carried those roots along with her love of Bagpipes and Organ.

She attended St. Mildreds College K-13 before moving on to Toronto Hospital for Sick Children where she graduated as a Registered Nurse and began her career in Pediatrics.

In 1957 Marylin married Russell Howland, a Mechanical Engineer. She was always happy to tell others that the organist for their wedding was Healy Willan, a well-known composer, and loved to see his compositions played at St. John's Episcopal Church.

When the first child, Philip, was a year old, the cancellation of the AVRO ARROW jet plane program and loss of a job forced a move to the United States and a turning point in their lives. Russell's work led them to Dearborn, Michigan, South Bend, and eventually to Lafayette.

The family grew with the addition of John and Christopher while Russ and Marylin began lending their various talents and enthusiasm to the Arts Community. Both were heavily involved in the Civic Theatre and Marylin was an early member of the Bach Chorale Singers (started by Eugene Goodson).

When Civic took over the old Monon Depot on 5 th street, she was the first employee as they worked to raise funds and remodel the station.

Marylin became the epitome of the ideal arts volunteer and truly was a giant contributor to the Arts in the Greater Lafayette community. The list is too long to cover all, but a sample would be like this.

Lifetime Achievement Award from Civic Theatre, acted in 13 plays, made costumes, Board member Suzanne Stafford Award from the Tippecanoe Arts Federation for broad based supports of the Arts.

President of the Board Lafayette Chamber Singers

Board member-The 42 nd Highlanders, The Tippecanoe Ancient Fife and Drum Corp

The Bach Chorale Singers, St. John's Choir, Vestry

On the professional side, after devoting some years to family, she returned to Nursing at Home Hospital, then as Pediatric Nurse at Arnett Clinic for Dr. Wendell Riggs. Dr. Riggs would later convince her to move and help him as he started the Community Health Clinic. She retired from the Clinic in 1999, but continued part time work at the Purdue University Student Health center for several years.

Russell passed away in 1991, leaving a big hole in her life as she continued to enjoy her family with the next generation being added. With four Granddaughters and a Grandson she could apply her dressmaking skill once more. It was her great joy to see three Granddaughters married in 2025.

She married James Ross in 2005 and inherited five stepsons to add to her three. She was wholeheartedly taken in and loved by this extended family and will be greatly missed.

Marylin was aptly described by journalist Lillian Price as "animated, talkative, funny, irreverent, also self-deprecating, frank, and down to earth". We would add that. Marylin was loving, thoughtful, and a very special wife, Mother, Grandmother who will be terribly missed by all

In addition to husband James Ross, she is survived by sons Philip Howland (Kathryn), John Howland, Christopher Howland (Kimberly), stepsons, James Ross III (Susan), Daniel Ross (Connie), David Nichols (Debbie), James Nichols (Anne), Robert Nichols (Fred), Grandchildren, Rachel Shannahan (David), Stephan Howland, Jacklyn Lewis (Daniel), Alexis Howland, and Emily Peters (Thomas).

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church on January 10 th, 2026, Visitation at 3:00 P.M. Service at 4:00 P.M.

Donations may be made to St. John's or Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette