Marilyn Lorraine Pearson

Marilyn was born in Digby Nova Scotia, the daughter of Alexander Patrick Vance from Belfast and Evelyn Beatrice (Dakin) of Sandy Cove NS. She was always very proud of her Irish heritage on her father's side and the seafaring history from her mother's.

Marilyn grew up in Halifax in the 1950's, often at her father's side, going fishing or helping out at the concession stand. Coming from a musical family, music became an important part of Marilyn's life. At an early age she took up the classical piano and showed great talent winning many awards throughout her studies at the Maritime Conservatory (where she later became a faculty member). Marilyn entered the University of Toronto at 16 years of age to study piano performance with Margaret Miller Brown and later with Reginald Godden. In addition to piano, Marilyn had a lovely singing voice and performed both as a soloist, and in choirs throughout her life.

A consummate lover of the arts in all its forms, music, dance, visual and fabric arts, Marilyn participated fully in all aspects of the art world. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University and earned a Masters Degree from Buffalo State University in Education. Marilyn spent a career in public education in Ontario as an arts and music specialist with the Peel and Scarborough Boards of Education. However, her heart was in the Maritimes and she left her teaching career in the early 1980's to return home to Halifax and pursue her passion for the visual arts.

Through music Marilyn met the love of her life, Garry and began a journey lasting 37 very joyous and fulfilling years of marriage. They shared their love of good food, good music and travel, lots of laughter, some tears, and time on the couch watching British Mysteries. Travel throughout Europe (Paris was her favourite - of course!), a visit to her cousin Marco in Norway and seeing much of Canada fulfilled many of her dreams.

Marilyn's visual art medium was primarily pencil and gouache. She produced many images and was particularly drawn to landforms, rocks and trees. Some of her images were purchased by the Art Bank of the Nova Scotia Art Gallery. Many were gifted to friends, relatives, and to the Maritime Conservatory.

Fabric arts were also a major passion in Marilyn's life. Quilting and needlework consumed many hours, not only in the studio, but also hunting down special fabrics and threads in numerous shops. Always learning, Marilyn would attend workshops and clinics to learn new skills. Her most recent passion was rug hooking with lots of projects on the go, and some beautiful results.

Family gatherings were always centered around good food and plenty of laughter - some of it quite bawdy ! There was always lots of relentless teasing from her brother. She loved laughter, the view of a beautiful vista, had a quick wit, and some strong opinions. She extracted joy from the simplest things in life and made us all appreciate those moments that make life special.

Marilyn's passing has been particularly heartbreaking for the entire family, but especially her husband Garry Michael who tried to care for her and provide comfort in recent years. She will be sorely missed by her daughter Angela and husband Chris Kalberlah (Cheverie). Her grandson Jesse (Halifax) always held a special place in her heart and was truly a source of pride. Marilyn's brother Alexander (Dartmouth) and his children Mark (Halifax), Lorraine (Burlington) and Layne (London ON) will miss her greatly. Marilyn will be dearly missed by Garry's daughters Jeanette (Joel) Pearson, grand-daughter Beatrice Melanson of Moncton and Christine (Stephen) Dowling of West Cove Head PEI.

Alex's dear friend Ann has said that with Marilyn's passing, another star has appeared in the heavens. We are all looking up to find her there.

We wish to thank the staff of the QEII Health Sciences Centre, too numerous to mention, who provided ongoing support and treatment for Marilyn. A special thank you to the staff of Melville Lodge Nursing home who provided kind and compassionate care throughout her stay.

Cremation has taken place. Interment at the Sunrise Park Cemetery in Hatchet Lake will be attended by close family members. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date and invitations will be sent out to family and friends.

Please feel free to leave a message below. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in her memory would be appreciated.