Marilyn (Chapman) Blackwell

Blackwell, Marilyn J.

With great sadness the family of Marilyn J. Blackwell of London announce that Marilyn accomplished life’s course and left us after a short illness on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 in the peace and serenity of her home which was her wish.  She will be missed immeasurably by Bob, her loving and devoted husband and her very special friend since their first year together at The University of Western Ontario (now Western University) beginning in September 1958.  A proud native of Hamilton, Ontario, a graduate in Arts from Western and a Primary School Specialist who stood first in her class at Toronto Teachers’ College, Marilyn derived lasting satisfaction from her four years assigned to public school kindergartens in two of Toronto’s lesser-advantaged inner areas, providing her pupils a rich learning and healthy social environment where she employed her natural ability to unlock the treasures and talents within each child.  Her marriage with Bob of nearly 51years was one between equals who lovingly, respectfully and unconditionally supported each other and family.  Marilyn dedicated herself wholeheartedly to home-life and motherhood and cherished every day to her last, as gifts greater than no others, their three children Christopher and Peter Blackwell of Toronto and Wendy Blackwell Crane of Peterborough.  She held warmest affection for their spouses Sherrie Berdusco, Susan Blackwell and Jordan Crane, and complete love for her grandchildren Spencer, Darby, Alexandra, and Carson Blackwell, Andrew, Michael and Katie Blackwell, and Charlie, Hugh and Elliot Crane.  Throughout her life Marilyn evoked delight with her quick wit and extemporaneous piano renditions that ranged from hymns to standards.  Marilyn quietly enjoyed the distinction of being the three times great niece of Laura Secord, the accepted and storied Canadian heroine of the War of 1812 with the United States.  Marilyn was a member of Calvary United Church, London for 50 years.  At one time or another Marilyn was a member of The May Court Club of London and a member and president of The Service League of London at London Health Sciences Centre.

She was a special woman
Who knew the strength of gentleness,
Who gave the gift of thoughtfulness,
Who lived a life of kindness and love.
To the world she was just one;
To us she was the world.

A family service for Marilyn is planned for late spring or summer in Sundridge, Ontario on Lake Bernard where Marilyn’s parents began their summers over 80 years ago and where Marilyn spent every summer of her life, as have her children and her grandchildren.  To celebrate Marilyn’s life an invitation is extended for friends and acquaintances to visit and enjoy light refreshments informally with her family from 3 to 7 pm on Sunday, February 12, 2017 at Spencer Hall (now Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre) which once served as Western’s women’s residence where Marilyn lived during her first year of university and which is located at 551 Windermere Road, London, east of Richmond Street. Donations to Marilyn’s favourite charity Childcan which supports children and families through childhood cancer or the charity of one’s choice would be gratefully appreciated. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bob Dunkerley, to personal support workers Abin, Christine, Cindy, Darlene, June, Ray, and Tanis, to Andrea Wappett (CCAC), to palliative care professionals Linda Stanley, Laura Waller and Dr. Natalie Hertzman, and most especially to the skilled, devoted and empathetic Sarah Cacilas. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com