September 23, 2021
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Marilyn (Mar) Gail Raymond (nee Wilson) share the news of her passing, on September 23rd, 2021, at the age of 75, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Montreal, she lived in several cities in Ontario as the daughter of a Warrant Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. They eventually settled in Ottawa Ontario where she was a member of the Woodroffe United Church and attended Woodroffe High School.
She participated in the church choir, and was a talented flutist with the high school band until her graduation in 1964.
In 1965 she graduated from Willis College, leading to a career at the Department of Veterans Affairs, followed by various secretarial positions, including PSAC. In 1972, while working part time in her husband's business, Ottawa Valley Truck Service, she attended accounting classes, leading to a 40+ year bookkeeping career.
Marilyn worked for various organizations, including The Elizabeth Fry Society and eventually became the full time bookkeeper, working again for her husband, at NTR Freightliner. In retirement, using her years of accounting experience, she served on her community board for a number of years, including a term as President.
Marilyn had a smile that lit up the universe and was a joy in so many people's lives. She was a wonderful wife and mother, a caring, generous and selfless friend, often putting others first.
She was very creative and talented, spending her free time sewing, quilting and baking. She enjoyed tennis, photography, and reading. She was so strong and brave, never shying away from the challenges that life brought her. She will be missed by many, whose lives she touched.
Marilyn is survived by the love of her life, her sweetheart since high school and husband of 55 years, Tom; her son Dwayne and his wife Angela; her daughter Cindy and her husband Doug; Nana to Jonathan, Adrian, Lachlan, Callum, Piper and Logan; sister to Ann (Bill), Rob (Marilyn), and Sheila.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents Robert and Florence Wilson and her Mother-in-law and friend, Norma Raymond.
The family would like to thank Dr. Leung and staff at the Chilliwack General Hospital, Dr. McKenzie and staff at the Royal Columbian Hospital, Dr. Keith and staff at the Abbotsford Cancer Centre, and also Don and his Pharmacy staff. A special note of thanks to Lisa and Kate who provided such comfort to Marilyn in her final moments.
An interment Service will take place at the Capital Funeral Home and Cemetery in Ottawa, Ontario at a future date. In Memory of Marilyn, Donations to the BC Cancer Foundation (bccancerfoundation.com) are greatly appreciated.