Marilyn Belle Carman

Marilyn Belle Carman (née Thomas) 86, of North Range, Digby County, Nova Scotia died peacefully at Tideview Terrace on November 29, 2025, surrounded by her husband and children. She is preceded in death by her father, Allan Thomas, her mother Phyllis, and her older brother Harry.

She is fondly remembered by her younger brothers and their spouses, David (Sheila) and Murray (Debbie), and Harry’s widow, Donna Logan. She is also survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, George Carman; her son, Paul (Emily) and daughters, Joanne (Malcolm Duff) and Sandy (Wade Brockway).

She was a loving and caring grandmother to Logan (Taylor), Thian and Meadow (children of Paul), Meghan (child of Joanne) and Will, Jack and Claire (children of Sandy) and was blessed to share precious moments with her newly born great-grandson Lennox (child of Logan and Taylor) before her passing.

Marilyn was born on January 22, 1939, and grew up in North Range, the only daughter of a farmer and woodsman. Life on the family farm, surrounded by the steady love of her parents and a large, close-knit extended family, instilled in her a deep sense of compassion, generosity, and an unwavering work ethic. Gatherings with her mother’s brothers and their families at her grandparents’ home, shared meals filled with music and laughter, and annual visits from her father’s relatives who traveled from New England all enriched her childhood. Just as influential were the many acts of kindness she watched her parents and grandparents offer to neighbors, visitors, and anyone in need, which nurtured in her a lifelong devotion to connection, community, and caring for others.

After high school, she pursued a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), dedicating herself to the well-being of those around her. Initially she worked at Victoria General Hospital in London, Ontario, where she met her husband George and forged lifelong friendships. Years later, after her children were in secondary school, she worked as an LPN at Tideview Terrace in Digby, where her thoughtfulness, warmth, and humor left a lasting impression on residents and colleagues alike. Her work at Tideview extended beyond that of an LPN; she also helped to organize special events for seniors, drove the bus that transported senior to events, provided comedy entertainment, assisted seniors with physical rehabilitation exercises, offered counselling, and palliative care.

Around 1982, in a profound act of love and courage she donated one of her kidneys to her brother Harry saving his life, a true testament of her character and generosity.

A devoted Christian, Marilyn was deeply involved in her church and the Women’s Missionary Society. She helped to organize retreats and events that brought women together across the Maritimes, exemplifying her steadfast faith, her ability to connect with others and her gift for fostering community. She and her family were founding members of Pilgrims Christian Fellowship, sharing a love for God and the outdoors through fellowship, hiking, camping, and canoeing with friends and family.

Armed with empathy, a deep faith and the words of God’s love, she had a rare gift for counselling individuals facing difficult circumstances in their lives. Her kindness and compassionate presence brought comfort to a countless number of family, friends, Tideview residents and community members approaching the end of their life.

Her desire to connect with others extended to her personal interests in hosting gatherings in her home and in her garden. She took pleasure in growing a wide variety of flowers and vegetables, creating floral arrangements, and sharing the fruits of her labor with members of her community. She had a remarkable sense of humor, a lighthearted spirit, and a unique ability to bring joy and laughter to every room she entered. Her strength, both physical and spiritual, was evident in her daily acts of service, whether caring for family, assisting neighbors, or supporting residents in their physical and emotional well-being.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and selfless service to her family, friends, and community. She will be deeply missed, remembered always for her generosity, warmth, and the profound impact she had on those fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tideview Terrace, General Fund at the Digby town municipal housing incorporation/charity profile/donate online. All donations made will be used to create a garden in her memory, “Marilyn’s Garden” featuring a bench for  visiting with friends and family or for reflection.

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/id/17331/

Donations may also be made to a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be on Sunday, December 7th between 6 pm and 8 pm at Jayne's Funeral Home, 15 Birch Street, Digby.

The Celebration of Life will be on Monday, December 8th at the South Range Christian Church at 1:30 pm with a reception to follow. A committal for family only will also follow immediately after the service.