Marilyn Isabel Taber

For those who don't know who I am, my name is Monique, wife of John and daughter in law to Marilyn whom I called Mom.

I met Marilyn back in 2001 a few days after my husband passed away. We both lived in the same condo building. I was coming home from work one day and in the lobby this woman came up to me, smiling and offered her condolences. We chatted for awhile and I felt at that moment that I had made a connection, a friend. She told me that she liked to go for a swim after doing her School Crossing Guard so I used to hurry home from work hoping to see her at the pool. And so we became friends.

In July 2004, Marilyn asked me if I would like to go to the Legion for a 50s dance. That she had reserved a table and a few people that I knew from the condo were going to be there too, so I said”why not” I haven't been out in a long time.

July 10th arrived, I was coming back to our table from having a dance with a friend when across from me this good looking guy dressed in black with wavy dark hair and a cute smile was talking to Marilyn. I asked Ada: who is that speaking to Marilyn? That's her son John she said. What? I stood up and said, Marilyn where have you been keeping him. Well what a fun night!! Neither one new that we were going to meet that night. And a week later I was riding on the back of Johns' motorcycle.

But wait....on that motorcycle ride John told me that he was on his way to a street BBQ that night, that on his way there, carrying a case of beer, he felt a tap on his shoulder, something telling him to go to the Legion and see Mom. And here we are 12 yrs later.

Thank you mom, the match maker.

Marilyn was born in Toronto on Feb 17, 1934 and after her sisters Shirley and Saundra were born, the family moved north to Thornbury.

Marilyn was involved in a lot of activities and competitions.

She had a lovely high soprano voice. At 13 yrs of age she was already competing in many of the Gray County Music Festivals in which she always placed. I suppose the most memorable ones would be in May 1949 and 1950 where she she placed 1st.

She went on singing in churches and at Special Events.

She also entered the Apple Blossom Festival Beauty Contest where she had to have another talent so she sang a lovely song called “Trees” and placed 3rd.

Living just a block from Georgian Bay, Marilyn would always go swimming with other kids at the dock and she became a great swimmer.

Marilyn was also good at figure skating. Her and Billy would skate together on the pond or on the River.

Marilyn loved her mother and father but was very close to her father Jack. She would help him around the house climbing up and down ladders, trimming trees, cleaning windows and even climbing on the roof. She wasn't afraid of heights.

She also liked to golf and go fishing with her father.

While John and I were sifting through the photos, we came across one of Marilyn and her father where she had written “I loved my dad so much, he was my best friend and mentor.

At 17, Marilyn and her best friend Berna moved to Toronto with an aunt for a while. She had a job working at the Imperial Bank as a bank teller. While working at the bank she asked this man if he knew of anyone who had a room for rent and he said that his mother did. So Marilyn rented a room from this lady at Orchard Park and Kingston Rd.

This lady's name was Mabel Taber. Mabel was very protective of Marilyn especially trying to keep her eldest son Billy from bothering her. One day Billy was watching Marilyn going up the stairs and asked his mother “ hey mom who's the blond with the long legs? His mother replied: never you mind Billy, you're too fast for her”. Well that didn't work so well, because Billy and Marilyn married

on October 8, 1955.

After Marilyn and Billy had their 2 children Shelley and John, they moved to their new home on Brightside Dr in West Hill and lived there for over 40 yrs.

Beside raising her children, Marilyn was a very social person and hard working. She was now working for the TD Bank and there were times when she had a talking to by her boss for taking too much time with some of her customers and there would be a long line up.

Marilyn was a great listener, especially to under privileged people with kids and who were having difficult times. She would go to some of these peoples homes on her own time, to comfort them and help them with her kind words and advice. Mom actually talked a couple of people from ending their lives. Mom was so caring and compassionate towards people.

For some of the elderly people who where unable to get to the bank, Marilyn would go after hours to their homes to do their banking. Unheard of these days. She retired from the bank in 1987 after 32 yrs, but she didn't stop at retirement.

Marilyn loved children so much, she decided to Volunteer at William G Miller public school as a monitor. She noticed that some kids didn't have any lunches so Mom would make lunches for them. She would also look after kids before and after school. She also took care of her own granddaughters.

Marilyn loved Fashion, Celebrities, Glamor, movie Stars. She hosted the Academy Awards for many, many years with the same group of ladies. There was food, wine and lots of laughs. These parties lasted well into the wee morning.

All through the 90s she was a distributor for WEEKENDERS Clothing which were made in Canada. When she hosted parties at her home, she would invite a group of ladies, she would model the clothes herself or get a couple of the girls to do it. I was one of them. She would put out light refreshments, tea, coffee.

She was very clever. If she noticed that the ladies weren't buying, out came 2 big bottles of wine and that got the cheque books out.

Marilyn always dressed to the nines, wore large earrings, her hair was always perfect. She went to the hairdresser every week sometimes twice a week maybe more. She had a few hairstyles throughout the years. Longish, short, spiky.....She had one hairdresser that she was very found of who opened her own Hair Salon in Richmond Hill and she would drive all the way there to have her hair done.

Marilyn worked and volunteered for Cardinal Nannies for 7 years, reading, having conversations and taking residents out for a walk in their wheelchairs.

Marilyn loved fast cars. Back in the early 70ties, Billy bought her a 1971 Dodge Challenger which she drove on a daily basis. One particular night in October, she had just picked up John form hockey practice when it started to rain and the car spun out control. The car went off the road between a tree and a fence and back onto the road heading in the right direction.

John said: Mom that was awesome, can you ever drive this car!!! How did you do that? And she said: I never touched the brakes.

Mom loved to dance. The faster the better. You'd be moving and grooving and she would be all over the dance floor and her partner would be looking for her. At one occasion Marilyn was dancing with her son John and her heel broke but she didn't stop, she just flipped the shoes in the air and continued to dance.

Marilyn was a member of 258 Royal Canadian Legion for many years. She would organize groups of friends on Friday or Saturday nights and would meet at the Legion for a few glasses of wine and dance the night away.

Two years after Billy passed away, Marilyn sold the house on Brightside and bought a condo at 121 Ling Rd. Her condo faced East so she had a picturesque view of Lake Ontario and the sunrise.

In spring of 2001 Marilyn decided to become a School Crossing Guard. She was out there in all kinds of weather and traffic. She loved the kids and the kids loved her. They all called her Nana. She was a Crossing Guard for 13yrs

For Marilyn's 75th Birthday her son John asked her what she wanted to do and she said “I would love to go to Vegas to see the lights, the glamor, Caesars Palace, Cher. So that's where we went. She didn't get to see Cher, but she did see one of the greatest Wonders of the World, “THE GRAND CANYON”. She was in awe.

One other time we spent almost a whole day in Caesars Palace.

One evening after dinner, we were walking up the main street when Mom heard music and right there she started dancing by herself outside Planet Hollywood. What a wonderful time she had.

There is more but as they say, WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS STAYS IN VEGAS.

At 41 yrs of age Marilyn was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 17 joints of her body. Her knees really bothered her a lot but she never complained and that didn't stop her from doing all the things she enjoyed. She motored on. Marilyn officially retired at age 79. What a trooper.

Marilyn spent her last 20 mths of her life at Oak Terrace Nursing Home in Orillia. It was a difficult time for her at first but eventually got to trust the people around her especially the nurses and PSWs who took great care of her. When a new residence would arrive on Mons floor she would take them under her wing, spend time with them or if someone was unhappy, she would console them. Always a caregiver.

Of course she had her bad days too but there was always someone to put their arms around her, talk to her, love her and make her feel better. Mom loved pretty much all the nurses and psws but still had her favourites.

I always looked forward to my visits with Mom, especially those days that I would take her out to the hairdresser, then go for lunch somewhere. She loved Swiss Chalet. She always enjoyed the chicken soup but when I introduced her to the garlic shrimps, that's what she would ask for every time we went back. How about dessert mom? And she would point to the Hot Fudge Brownie Sunday with whipped cream and the cherry on top. She loved her desserts!!!

During the week I would take Mom for walks by the water at Couchiching Park . We would sit on a bench and watch the children

in the playground. Her eyes would brighten up....she would smile... if you could have seen the joy in her face.

On weekends John and I would take her for a drive, and go for dinner. If we were at the park, we would indulge in big scoops of ice cream.

One day in the summer of 2015, I took Mom on the Island Princess Cruise on Lake Couchiching where she let her hair blow in the wind. Very unusual for her to do that but she did and was enjoying it. We were booked to go on that cruise again this summer but unfortunately we didn't make it.

Marilyn was caring, loving, compassionate, always there to help and protect.

She was vibrant, full of energy, strong and courageous.

She touched so many people's lives, inspired people, gave them hope and gave so much of herself.

She was Beautiful inside and out.

Marilyn's life mattered.

Mom, I will miss our chats, your SMILE, your CONTAGIOUS LAUGH, your LOVE and AFFECTION.

Love you forever.

Monique xo

November 3, 2015

A Beautiful Memory.

Tony Bennett Concert at Casino Rama.

What a night that was. We took Mom to Casino Rama. We checked in our BIG ROOM, then went down for a fabulous dinner.

Took our seats for the show which were 10 rows from the stage. When Tony Bennett came on stage, Mom was so elated!!! She new pretty much all the songs and she sang along. We had a wonderful night.

We Love You mom. John & Monique

October 13, 2016

Another time another show.

Mom you were suppose to be with us again on this eve. A ticket for you to see these four great singers Il Divo, but we know you were with us in spirit singing along.

Love You Forever! Miss You Mom.

Johnny and Monikee.

October 25, 2016

A Tribute to Mom by her son John.

I was born October 25, 1961 at 11:04am. This was a big day for Mom and I.

As a small boy I remember Mom as being full of life, vibrant, easy going (most of the time), energy to burn and then some! I would say to her, Mom you have the energy of 20 people. She would laugh and say, that's so I can catch you! Growing up Mom was always there or close by. She nourished me, taught me manners and to respect people. Those where huge things with Mom. I remember Mom would worry about people closest to her and me. I would say to her not to worry, that I would be okay. I never usually kept things from Mom because we had a very open and loving relationship. I rode motorcycles and still do. I got my license when I was 16 yrs old and rode a street motorcycle. Mom did not know this until I was 26 yrs old. I could not bare the thought of her worrying about me. When I drove up the driveway one day Mom was ok with it. She said, well I guess you're old enough now , but please always be careful. From that day on Mom came up with one liner for me before I would say good bye "If you can't be good, be careful!!" That has always stuck with me. As the years went by Mom enjoyed her life, traveling, good times spent with her husband Billy (deceased May1998) and friends.

Mom and I always kept close. I moved up north when I was 26 years old. That day was hard for Mom and I because of the closeness we shared. Mom and I kept in touch by phone one or twice a week and visited when we could for good times and a laugh.

Mom loved kids and the elderly but a huge soft spot for kids, especially the small ones. Mom worked hard her whole life. She worked until the age of 79. Her last job was a school crossing guard. I wonder why? Lol! The kids of course :)

When Mom became ill with Alzheimer's and was having difficulties with her tasks, I really jump up to give Mom the help she needed. She was always right there for me when I was growing up. Something Mom said to me many years ago is that Love is three things. It's about caring, sharing and giving. That's what Love is. I asked her how she knew that. She said "you will know, it's there, it was born with you, you will feel it. Mom was right, I do feel it. Thank you Mom.

Mom lost her battle with Alzheimer's on Monday September 5th, 2016 at 5am, Peacefully. Labor Day!!! WOW Mom! God took your hand, said to you, come Marilyn today is a day of rest! No work today!!

Mom I really miss you a lot, I think good happy thoughts of you each day that passes by. Rest in Peace my Beautiful Mom.

This day October 25th, 2016 I honor you, adore you and cherish you Mom.

Your Loving son, Johnny.

October 25, 2016

Gratitude.

Thank you my sweet beautiful wife, the strong person that you are! The true natural and honest Love that you gave to “our Mom”, The support and strength that you gave me and still continue to give me.

I Love you today and everyday forward, forever.

Johnny xo

Pillar of strength

I John Taber Salute my Grandmother, the late Alma Macdonald, Mother to my Mom. Grandma I miss you and your Spirit lives on. You were a wonderful Grandma and a very Dear Lady. Grandma, you passed away Peacefully on this day October 25, 1990, my 29th Birthday.

Your Loving Grandson.

William John xo

December 23, 2016

On Dec 23, 2014, we moved Mom from Scarborough to Oak Terrace Care NH in Orillia. The 3 of us pulled into the parking lot around 4pm that afternoon. We were facing the back of an old house when Mom said: I'm not living in that shack!!!! We broke out laughing and I said: why not Mom there is a bathtub out in the backyard!! We all had a good laugh :)

December 23, 2016

Monique and I visited Oak Terrace. Mom's dear roommate Izzy was so happy to see us. We spent some time with her and had a walk up and down the hall which she enjoyed and was smiling. The staff on shift was also happy that we had dropped by.

They all miss you at Oak Terrace Mom. Everyone has fond memories of your gentile and caring ways when you lived at Oak:)

REST IN PEACE OUR LOVING MOM. Love Johnny boy and Monikee xoxo

December 25, 2016

Mom we miss you each and everyday, especially on this day, Christmas Day. We feel you with us and your spirit around us all the time.

Love always. Johnny and Monique xo

February 17, 2017

Happy Birthday Mom. We wish you were here with us celebrating your Birthday. We miss you and Love you so much. Do they have a Swiss Chalet in Heaven? If they do, enjoy your shrimps and your favorite desert :) It's sunny down here and I know the sun must be shining on you and Dad where you are on this special day.

Love Always. Johnny and Monikee xoxo

May 14, 2017

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM

You are not with us in person today to celebrate YOU on Mother's Day :( We sure feel your spirit and think of the great memories we have.

Love you and miss you very much.

Johnny and Monique xoxo

September 5th, 2017

Mom....Mojo lost you a year ago today:(

We miss you smile and your laughter Mom.

We Love You.

We understand that you are in a better and peaceful place.

Rest in Peace Beautiful Mom.

Moniquee and Johnny xoxo

October 1, 2017

Hi Mom.....1 year ago today we had your Celebration of Life. We miss you Mom. We think of you everyday. We miss your smile, your laughter, your beautiful face. Rest In Peace.

Your Loving Son Johnny and your loving daughter in-law Moniquee xoxo

December 25, 2017

Merry Christmas Mom :) We can't believe another year has gone by. Missing you now as much as when you left us Sept. 5th, 2016.

Rest in Peace our BEAUTIFUL MOM. You will never be forgotten.

All our love. Johnny Boy and Moniquee xoxo We can see you and Billy dancing UP a Storm!

February 17, 2018

Happy Birthday Mom. Hope you had a good day with all your friends and family. Did you dance up a storm? How is Mary Jane? She recently re connected with you up in Haven. We miss you and love you everyday.

* * * * * * * * * *

Trees

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

~Joyce Kilmer~