Our beloved and big hearted Marilyn Anne Parent left us at age 75 on Thursday, December 31st, 2020 to be reunited with her dear mom and dad, Anne and Hector Parent. Marilyn was the dedicated life long best friend of Eleanor Muncaster. Mare was such a loving big sister, cherished friend, and hero to Cathy Sweezey (Marty). Devoted sister to the late Coreen Barbeau (late Leon) and the late Jim Parent. Special sister-in-law to Brenda Parent (Peter). Fun-loving Auntie and Great Auntie to many nieces and nephews. Mare was also such a dog lover and will be deeply missed by her Holly and Gabby as well as happily greeted by her first seven "children in fur coats".
In 1964, Marilyn left her homestead in Pronto, as a shy, humble, sweet, but determined eighteen-year-old; enrolled in the Plummer Memorial Public Hospital School of Nursing Program. Following graduation, Marilyn spent her over 30-year nursing career dedicated to her patients on the 3rd Floor Surgical Unit, under the watchful eye and keen supervision of “Miss Muncaster”.
Working with Mare was both a blessing and a privilege; truly an unforgettable experience. She was hard working, fun loving, kind, gentle, but feisty, and could work circles around coworkers half her age. She would always put a smile on your face, give you a hearty laugh, and brighten your day. We had a strong bond, we were a family, working and supporting each other. Our parties were a favourite highlight, specially Marilyn’s yearly appearance as Santa. Our skits and songs made us known as the “Third Floor Nightingales”. Marilyn has a special place in all of our hearts! How important was family to Mare? Family meant everything!! Although Mare preferred to be behind the camera instead of in front of it, proof of how
much she valued family is evident in her countless hours of home videos and her "gazillion" photos.
All the kids of the family will forever cherish the generous spirit of "Santa Mare" not only at Christmas time, but all throughout the year.
Mare's kickoff to summer was spent sharing a weekend of shenanigans with her "Lemon Sisters" where they "squeezed" in every ounce of fun and where Mare's "zest" for life truly shone. It was these Lemon Sisters weekends that transformed "The Lemons" from ordinary sisters by day to singing and dancing rockstars on the back deck by night. Best parts of every summer were Family Day and Wave Day, which brought out the kid in Marilyn and Eleanor. Those two teamed up to mischievously instigate the relentless water fights that we all remember so well.
Mare shared that some of the highlights of her life were the road trips to Toronto to see the Jays play. Mare and El delighted in all that these weekends entailed, from the pregame street meat to the peanuts and beer in the stands, followed by the postgame night caps while shooting pool. Mare was always sure to bring her ball glove in the hopes of snagging a line drive and was just thrilled when she was able to have her glove signed by her favourite TV announcers, Jamie and Gregg.
Future family gatherings just won't be the same without Mare's hearty laugh and warm hugs, but we will always raise a glass to celebrate her ongoing spirit. The wonderful camp and beach that she was proud to have found, became her true happy space, her life and her legacy.
We would like to offer sincere gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff of the Renal Unit, 300B, and ICU for their kind and compassionate care of our precious Marilyn. With Marilyn having been a dedicated nurse and a true dog lover, should you wish to make a donation in her memory, the Sault Area Hospital and Humane Society were dear to Mare's heart.
At Marilyn's request no visitation or service will be held at this time and a family and friends celebration of her life will take place at a later date. Video tribute and details will be posted at that time. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. - 705-759-2522). Please visit our website to leave your condolences and memories for a keepsake for the family.