Marilyn Jean Bunker Richardson

Marilyn Jean Richardson was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Marilyn will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

      Marilyn was born on June 10, 1938 at Oshawa General Hospital in Oshawa, Ontario. She was the daughter of Arthur and Dorothy Bunker.

      Marilyn had a younger brother Ron. She was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her sibling. She and her brother experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young girl, Marilyn had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. She was a Cub Leader for 1st Oshawa Disabled Cub Pack. In her spare time she liked crocheting and word puzzles. However, to Marilyn, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

      A typical teenager, Marilyn had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Oshawa CVI (Oneill) in 1955. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favourite subjects and teachers.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Marilyn enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. While growing up, some of her best friends were Billie Oneill, Marilyn Muldrew and Donna Elliott. Later in life, she had many friends.

      On June 25, 1960 Marilyn exchanged wedding vows with William (Bill) George Richardson at St. George's Anglican Church of Oshawa, Ontario. Empathic and loyal, Marilyn was committed to making her new family happy.

      Marilyn worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Marilyn was blessed with three children, Kimberly, Karen and Christopher. Another blessing for Marilyn was the gift of six grandchildren, Meghan, Emily, Laura, Rebecca, Madison and Hunter.

      Fortunately, Marilyn enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Marilyn worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was as an Insurance Office Manager and a homemaker. Marilyn always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Marilyn enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favourite pursuits were crocheting, word games and Cribbage. She was content to enjoy her favourite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Marilyn was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favourite events whenever she had the chance to do so. Tops on her list was the Toronto Blue Jays.

      Throughout her life, Marilyn was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In high school, Marilyn was a member of the Girl Guides.

      Marilyn was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it is little wonder that she took an active role in her community, serving on committees for Adelaide McLaughlin Home and School, and as a Cub Leader.

      Marilyn enjoyed travelling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favourite vacations included Florida, Kansas City, the Canadian East and West Coasts and camping/cottaging at Mazinaw Lake.

      Marilyn passed away peacefully after a brief illness, on October 15, 2014 at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa, Ontario. She is survived by her husband Bill, daughters Kim (Michael) and Karen (Tobin), son Chris, brother Ron (Joanne), grandchildren Meghan, Emily, Laura, Rebecca, Madison and Hunter. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Marilyn was laid to rest in Union Cemetery in Oshawa, Ontario.

      Simply stated, Marilyn was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Marilyn leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Marilyn Jean Richardson.

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RICHARDSON, Marilyn Jean

Peacefully at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Wednesday, October 15th, 2014, at 76 years of age. Beloved wife of Bill Richardson Jr. for 54 years. Cherished mother of Kim and her husband Michael Kelly, Karen and her husband Tobin Elliott, and Chris Richardson. Loving and devoted Gramma of Meghan (Stephen), Emily, Laura, Rebecca, Madison and Hunter. Dear sister of Ron and Joanne Bunker. She will be fondly remembered by Bill’s family; Brian, Boyd and Brent, their spouses and her many nieces, nephews and friends. Many thanks to the doctors and nurses at Lakeridge Health ICU Station 1 for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Thursday, October 23rd from 10:00 a.m. until time of Memorial Service in the Chapel at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.