Obituary of Marilyn Morrison-Foley

Heaven has a new tenant and our questions is “ Are you ready for this”? We the family of “Our Marilyn” announce that on the warm summer breeze of July 3rd,2024 Marilyn left to take her place around God’s throne with her fellow angels. She fought hard to stay as she was one “tuff” old Cape Breton bird. Marilyn was born and raised in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, resided at Vimy Court in Bible Hill NS (you know the mainland ☹), since January 2021, after many years as a resident of Grand Lake Road, Cape Breton. She was born December 10,1934 to Catherine (nee Mac Intyre) Morrison and Johnny Morrison in Glace Bay. Her mother, Martha, provided great direction/strength/help for Marilyn to survive the many challenges and obstacles life put in her way. Martha was an exceptionally strong woman who raised a strong-willed woman, (some would say stubborn), in Marilyn, make no doubt about that! Martha was one of the greatest cooks ever, but even Martha could not transfer that knowledge to her daughter although Marilyn tried. Having sampled a many Christmas and special dinners attempted, the taste was to say the least unique. You learned early on to eat before you went to Marilyn’s special meals or you would be hungry until on the way home., she tried so hard! Marilyn entered the nursing profession, training at the St Elizabeth Hospital, North Sydney, gradating in their second ever graduating class, she met many of her lifelong friends there. She nursed at several hospitals in Sydney, Glace Bay, Halifax, Peoria, Illinois, USA as well as with Victoria Order of Nurses, a number of nursing homes in the industrial Cape Breton area (now CBRM) and with Cape Care, retiring in 1993. Marilyn’s only surviving sibling is her sister Catherine (Kaye) MacLellan (Joseph dec-2015) of Dominion, Cape Breton, now residing in Halifax, (the friggin Mainland too ☹) She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Fraser Morrison (wife Rita dec 2014), Rudy Morrison and husbands, Verne MacLean, John S. MacNeil and Thomas Foley. She was a self-reliant and independent woman; long before it was fashionable or in vogue with Woman’s Lib or any other social trend(s) for female independence. Marilyn empowered herself, she was determined to make her own way in life and never ever one to conform to society’s held stereotypical role for women, she had her own mind and she used it. She survived by her own strength, she lived independently in her own home on Grand Lake Road until she was 86; then was a resident of MacGillivray Guest home for a short time and then settled in at Vimy Court in Bible Hill in January 2021. This last move brought her close to her only child, Cheryl Marie French, who she always called Cheryl Marie, never Cheryl. Marilyn considered her daughter, the greatest achievement of her life and Cheryl Marie was always looking out for her; whether it was from afar with almost daily phone calls or visits to Cape Breton. When she moved to Vimy Court, Cheryl Marie was there daily in person plus checking in on her by phone and since September 2023, she was there multiple times each day after Marilyn had an unfortunate fall. For about the last 6 months or so, the person who was in Marilyn’s body was not who she was; however, when the brief moments of clarity, the smile, the laugh, the twinkle in her eyes, the telltale Marilyn gestures’ sayings and single words kept us connected to her physically and mentally and gave us something to hold on. We will always have the countless stories, incidents, occurrences, happenings and the loving person that made her special and “Our Marilyn” throughout the years, those are the memories we will remember, treasure and cherish forever. Even Alzheimer’s is not strong enough to take those memories away from us; these diseases are cruel, unforgiving, heartbreaking diseases. We will never not remember the true “Marilyn! Cherish those treasured times and memories with those you hold close now, do not wait one second longer to cherish these special times. “Alzheimer's caregivers and family’s members of those living with Alzheimer are our everyday heroes.” Those brief moments of clarity during the last few months were so treasured by Cheryl and she just wanted to see her mom happy, not to suffer and Cheryl did everything possible despite Marilyns’ efforts at times to make sure that happened. Marilyn was the least to say strong willed (let us say stubborn); there were 3 ways of doing things in “her” world, the right, wrong and “her way”. She was profoundly proud to be from Glace Bay, Cape Breton, loved to travel and was physically active as a terrific ice skater, good skier, marvelous dancer and strong swimmer, she absolutely loved to spend time at the cottage or “bungalow” on the Northside East Bay. She loved fast cars and was generous allowing her son-in-law (Terry) to drive them once he got his license. This was so appreciated as he then did not have to be a passenger when she drove; which was eventful/scary each & every time, without a doubt, just ask him! The untold stories of her record keeping for taxes were even scarier than her driving for Terry. The word sweetheart (along with darling & sweetie) will always be associated with Marilyn as well as her trademark of calling her daughter and grandchildren by her first two names always, her hugs/kisses, lipstick marks and her love for her family! She was extremely proud and so loved her grandchildren who brightened her day each and every time she saw them, talked about/with them; 2Lt (Retired) John Bernard French, Valley, NS and Tara Marie French, Guelph, Ontario and her most precious Great Grandchildren Persephone “Perse” Evangelina Marie Mazaris and Cadmus Thiery Heath Mazaris. The smile and joy on her face were one of those times that clarity and the “real” Marilyn shone brightly. The sun in her world were John Bernard and Tara Marie and when they visited for those days in the fall of 2023 in person, with Perse & Caddy the “true” Marilyn smile and laugher will be forever etched in our minds and hearts. Marilyn treasured her nieces and nephews particularly Rita & Fraser’s daughter Darlene Morrison and Kaye’ s four boys Gerard (Lynn), Ian (Lisa), Paul and Fraser MacLellan (deceased 2012). Gerard and Cheryl both worked tirelessly to keep the sisters in touch with each other during their twilight years. The visits by Gerard, Darlene and Paul to Marilyn’s various locations thru the years were special and meant so much to Marilyn. Marilyn also valued the great friendship she had with Carmella “Carmie “French, which started in nurses’ training, then carried on throughout both their lives, highlighted when their children married. In their golden years, they talked almost daily, attended many events and concerts together at the Savory Theater in Glace Bay as well as many other venues throughout Cape Breton Island. The stories (adventures) of getting there and back were as good, sometimes better than the performance they witnessed. They treasured being able to share and talk about their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. When Marilyn left Glace Bay in 2021, Carmie was there to visit, talk and see her good friend off, as she headed to the mainland. Carmie will be there to welcome Marilyn home later this year. We would like to thank the caring people at MacGillivray’s Guest Home in Sydney and especially the wonderful and amazing staff at Vimy Court, Bible Hill (Connie, Trina, Christine, Mary, Meghan, Liz, Catherine plus all those who were on Miller Lane Wing since January 2021 who took care of our Marilyn, words will never say enough of the appreciation and gratitude we have for your efforts. You all truly make us realize that angels walk among us every day and all heroes do not wear capes. You treated Marilyn like she was your mother and that kindness will never be forgotten. The honor guard for Marilyn that morning touched our hearts and Marilyn would be so proud, thank you. One of the highlights of her time at Vimy Court was November 2023, a visit from Ashley MacIsaac who played for the residents and spent some time with each of the residents from Cape Breton. Ashley is a great musician, a great entertainer, a great Cape Bretoner but more than those qualities, he is an even better person. His caring and genuine manner made such an impression on Marilyn that she held his hand the whole time when they talked. Ashley, you made her day, she was so excited and we are so truly thankful for the brightness and that smile you brought to her: she always looked at the picture taken of you and her, every day. There many special people who helped Marilyn thru the years, Garret Wrathall, who for many years helped Marilyn with work around her home and was a major factor in her ability to stay independent, Garrett, you are truly a special person. The kindness of Jane and Jimmy Lewis of Mira for the inclusion of Marilyn in their Christmas traditions, an act of love that was truly treasured and appreciated. A special thank you to Rev Lori Ramsey, for your kindness, tenderness and tending to Marilyn’s spiritual needs when Cheryl called. Thank You to Doctor David Lee, Reserve Mines who provided the personal care and kindness to Marilyn for many years, the type of care that is only found in Cape Breton. His promise to Cheryl that her mother would never be without a doctor regardless where she went; provided so much comfort at a very stressful and trying time, this kindness is etched in our memories forever. The late Doctor Bill Nicholson would be so proud of you. Marilyn’s simple requests no flowers, NO visitation, (as she will not be dressed her best!), donations if so, desired may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia/ Canadian Diabetes Association, A private family celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held later date. After which we will be so honored to take her as Minglewood sings on that last ride; passing her beloved “cottage” in East Bay, on that trip home to Glace Bay, where a church service at St Anne’s will be held. She will be laid to rest with her parents. May she have eternal rest and, in the Sinatra, classic phase “she did it my/her way”!!. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Halifax (902) 835-4212. Online condolences/remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting: www.tjtracey.com Sweetheart, until we meet again!