Martin (Blackburn), Marilyn Shirley - passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, at the QEII Health Sciences Centre with family by her side.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 20 years, Mark, her children, Mike (Carla) Blackburn, Cara (Jeff Vail), Rhonda (Jeff) Pringle and Mark’s daughter Alyssa Martin. Her grandchildren, Jordan (Kaitlyn), Jenna (Jacques), Kelsie and Gavin, who brought her much joy, as well as her great granddaughters, Brynn and Tessa, and many nieces and nephews.

Born in Halifax, on October 25, 1943, she was the daughter of Maxine (Johnson) Major. She is survived by her sisters, Donna Hopkinson and Christine (Dave) Crocker, as well as in-laws, Starlene (Glen) Carruthers, Kerry Heffernan, Andrew Martin and their families.

She was pre-deceased by her mother and step-father Maxine & Gordon Major, brother David Burgess, brother in-law Harold Hopkinson, father of her children Ronald Blackburn, in-laws Noreen and Fulton Martin, as well as her chosen family members, which played a huge part in her life, Thelma & Everett Goodall, Betty (Goodall) & Carl Hamilton, Catherine (Clarke) & Ronald Goodall.

Marilyn began her life in Fairview, and over the years lived in Pictou, Middle Sackville, Timberlea, Hatchet Lake and Clayton Park. She worked at Sears for over 50 years having many different job titles and enjoyed them all. She made many friends there, some of which became life-long.

Some of her favourite things were Sunday drives (any day of the week), trips to Florida & PEI, ice cold beer, Fireball Fridays, attending any activities that involved her grandchildren, music, dancing, and in her earlier years, softball and bowling. But most of all, she simply enjoyed spending time with her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18, from 3-5pm at St. Timothy’s Church Hall, 2320 Prospect Road. Interment will take place at a later date. Should you wish to make a donation in her memory, they may be directed to the Lung Association of NS (lungnspei.ca).

“Wherever you go, no matter the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”