Marilyn Ruth Chapman (née Lahay)

Peacefully, with family by her side, at home on May 15, Marilyn passed away in her 86th year after a courageous battle with cancer. Beloved wife, best friend, and fellow adventurer of David for 61 wonderful years, Marilyn was a deeply loved and loving mother to Tim Chapman (Deanna) and Stephanie Downing. She adored her eight grandchildren (Beck, Kemuel, Cyrus, Madeleine, Adelaide, Indiana, Jayden and Gemma) and their spouses, and found endless joy, pride, and fascination in her 24 great-grandchildren, sadly predeceased by one precious great-granddaughter, Honour. Also will be missed by sister-in-law Diane.

Marilyn was born and raised in Orillia, where part of her early education took place in a one-room schoolhouse serving eight grades. After graduating from high school, she became a certified dental assistant. Following her marriage to David in 1965, life’s adventures and career opportunities took them to Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa (twice), and London, as well as three memorable years in Saudi Arabia. During that time, Marilyn embraced travel wholeheartedly, exploring Asia, Africa, Europe, the Maldives, and the Seychelles, and even earning her scuba certification.

Retirement in 1993 marked the beginning of even more adventures together. In 1996, Marilyn and David set sail from Lake Huron aboard their 40-foot sailboat and spent five unforgettable years exploring the Caribbean. Her love of travel and discovery never faded. Ten winters in Arizona followed, where Marilyn became an enthusiastic hiker, proudly hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back. She and David also enjoyed extended travels through South America and New Zealand, staying in hostels along the way, as well as countless RV trips, including memorable travels through Newfoundland, and many enjoyable cruises.

Above all, Marilyn will be remembered for the warmth she brought into every room and every relationship. Friendly, kind-hearted, and genuinely interested in others, she touched many lives and will be remembered with deep affection by all who knew her. She remained active and engaged in life until her illness, enjoying pickleball, camping, golf, swimming, hiking, long walks, and especially time spent with her family, who were the centre of her world. She was also a skilled quilter. She kept her sense of humour to the end. Her absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved her.

During her illness, Marilyn received exceptional care at all three London hospitals. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated doctors and nurses of the Verspeeten Cancer Clinic for their compassion and support.

Cremation has taken place. A family celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at a later date. Those wishing to make a donation in Marilyn’s memory are invited to consider the Verspeeten Cancer Clinic.