Marilynn (Thaler) Davies

Born October 21, 1938, died, January 4, 2024 following a short illness superimposed on underlying chronic health issues. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Arnold. The greatest tragedy of her life was the death of their son Mike in 2016. Deeply missed by their son Bruce (Christine Murphy) and their children Andrew and Ryan; by Mike’s wife, Joanne Bortolotto, and their children Christian, Michela, Joshua and Johnpaul; by her sister Merle Haney, special niece Janet Tolton, and many other nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her sisters Elaine Haney and Vivien Tolton. 

Marilynn was born in Clifford to Dr. A. Frank Thaler and Janet (Pollock) Thaler. The family moved to Hanover when she was a young girl. She was educated at the University of Guelph where she met her husband, Arnold. They were married in 1961. They raised their children in Guelph and Sarnia before retiring to Markdale in 1991. Marilynn often said that her favourite place in the world was on the shore of Lake Huron at Kincardine. She spent every summer there, as a child at her family’s Bruce Beach cottage and later at the Cedar Terraces cottage she and Arnold purchased in 1975. The cottage was the centre of family gatherings for the rest of her life. 

Moving to Markdale allowed Marilynn to spend more time with her younger sister, Vivien, and they enjoyed participating in many craft-based social groups especially rug hooking, quilting, and knitting. Her rug hooking art is displayed proudly in the Hooked Rug Museum of North America in Hubbards, NS and in the homes of her family and friends. She was actively involved in the life of Grace United Church in Sarnia and Annesley United Church in Markdale.

Although never a competitive athlete, she loved exercise, especially walking, cross-country skiing and generally being outdoors.
We will remember Marilynn especially for her independent spirit, perseverance, thoughtfulness, and keen interest in the lives of her family and community.

A celebration of Marilynn’s life will be held at Annesley United Church, Markdale on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Social time to follow in the church hall.

The family is grateful for the exemplary care provided to Marilynn by the care teams in Markdale and Owen Sound hospitals and at Chapman House Hospice, and would appreciate donations to Centre Grey Health Services Foundation, Grey Bruce Hospice Inc, or a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.