Marilyn Minnie Turnbull

Born October 26th, 1949 in St. Catherine’s, Ontario. She was the daughter of John (deceased) & Verna Styger (Hudson). Marilyn was the oldest of four sisters. Marilyn spent most of her childhood growing up on the West Side of Country Harbour in Guysborough County.

Marilyn is survived by her two children Karla Turnbull and Scott Turnbull, mother Verna Styger, her two sisters Carol Alexander and Shelly Hayne, her two grandchildren Aidan Turnbull and Ava Turnbull, as well as 12 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Brian Turnbull, her father, John Styger, and her sister Deborah Parkes.

After graduating from Guysborough Municipal High School Marilyn enrolled in the secretarial program at Pictou Regional Vocational School. These skills were then put to use at Canadian Industries Limited (C.I.L) in Halifax. It was during this time she was introduced to the love of her life, Brian, by mutual friends. Marilyn and Brian married October 12, 1973 in Country Harbour, Nova Scotia. In 1977 Marily and Brian adopted their first child, Karla, followed in 1979 by Scott. While Karla and Scott were young Marilyn was a stay at home mom caring for them. Once Karla and Scott were in their early teens Marilyn pursued a correspondence course in interior design. After working several years for Jennifer Allen interiors she set up her own business, Creative Interiors by Marilyn, which she ran successfully for many years taking on both residential and larger commercial projects. More recently Marilyn had studied to be a holistic nutritionist nearly completing her diploma.

Marilyn had many passions and hobbies that included singing, music, painting, tennis and gardening.

One of the first music groups Marilyn sang with was “The High Folk” which included her cousin, Clifford Hudson. This group sang all around the Antigonish area including making appearances on the radio. After moving to Dartmouth in 1983 Marilyn became a longtime member of the choir at Christ Church. In later years

mom sang with the Jazz group “Swing Easy” who would perform at the DuMaurier Jazz Fest in Halifax. Marilyn was also the organizer of the group “Swinging Racquets” made up of members of the St. George’s Tennis Club who would perform at various club fundraisers.

In her early 20’s Marilyn picked up the game of tennis and became an avid player. In 1996 she was ranked second in the Women’s 35 and over singles category by Tennis Nova Scotia. Over the years Marilyn was successful and won trophies in many tournaments. Marilyn’s husband, Brian, father, John, and son, Scott, also became avid players. This led to some epic matches on the public tennis courts in Antigonish. Tennis was also a big part of Marilyn and Brian’s time in Siesta Key, Florida leading to many long lasting friendships.

Another long time passion of Marilyn’s was painting and her house is full of her various paintings. Over the years she took lessons and participated in various group displays.

Gardening was another passion of Marilyn’s and she took great pride in her property. All the landscaping at her Dartmouth home was carefully designed and lovingly tended by her.

Another joy of Marilyn’s life was the condo she and Brian bought in their beloved Siesta Key, Florida after many years of renting. Marilyn adored long walks on the Siesta Key beach and evenings on the pier or in the clubhouse with friends.

Marilyn brought life and vitality to any event she attended. She loved people. When she ate at a restaurant it was not uncommon for her to leave knowing the server's life story. This could also be said of airplane seatmates.

Marilyn will be missed by all who knew her.

There will be a reception held on December 8, 2025, from 3:00pm-5:00pm at A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland Street, Dartmouth.

Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation