Marilyn Lillie Roach

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Marilyn Lillie Roach who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Marilyn was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Marilyn knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

      Marilyn was born on July 12, 1937 in Guelph, Ontario. Her parents were Harvey and Edna Singular. Marilyn was raised in Guelph and Bowmanville, Ontario. Even as a youngster, Marilyn learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Marilyn was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Marilyn was raised with one sibling. She had younger brother, Dave.

      Marilyn was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Marilyn was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Marilyn came to expect her high standards of performance. She became friends with Pauline Bell in 1956 and remained friends until her passing.

      Marilyn was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Marilyn would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Marilyn was blessed with three children, two sons, Dan and Jim and one daughter, Joyce. She was also blessed with eight grandchildren, Keith, Crystal, Katelyn, Adam, Brooke, Ashley, Christopher and Jeffrey.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Marilyn was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Marilyn was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Marilyn upheld her standards. She was employed as a labourer for 40 years by General Motors. Marilyn was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Marilyn approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favourite pursuits were volunteering at the Legion for the Poppy Campaign and any other event were needed.

      A civic-minded person, Marilyn was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Politically, Marilyn was a long time supporter of the NDP.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Marilyn used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Marilyn had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Marilyn enjoyed all vacations and travel.

      Marilyn was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Marilyn’s favourites was Honey, her cat. They were best friends and constant companions for 12 years.

      When Marilyn’s retirement finally arrived on December 1, 1994, she was well prepared. She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In many ways, Marilyn loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Marilyn passed away on November 14, 2010 at Port Perry Hospital in Port Perry, Ontario. Services were held at the Oshawa Funeral Home Chapel. Marilyn was laid to rest in Thornton Cemetery, Oshawa, Ontario.

      All who knew her would agree that Marilyn was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Marilyn Lillie Roach did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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ROACH, Marilyn Lillie

Passed away peacefully at Lakeridge Health Port Perry on Sunday, November 14th, 2010 in her 74th year. Predeceased by her husbands Floyd (1997) and Jim (1960) and by parents Harvey and Edna Singular. Loving mother of Dan Henderson (Mary-Ellen), Jim Henderson (Denise), Joyce Bebee (Brian). Lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Keith, Crystal (Greg), Katelyn, Christopher, Jeffrey, Adam, Brooke, Ashley, and by great grandchildren Alexander and Ava. Dear sister of Dave Singular (Jean). Marilyn was retired from General Motors with 40 years service and was a proud member of C.A.W. Local 222 and also the Retirees Chapter. She was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43. Many thanks to Dr. Hyshka and the entire nursing staff at Lakeridge Health Port Perry for their care and support, with special thanks to her lifelong friend Pauline Bell, her family and also the many friends at her residence. Friends may call at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) for visitation on Sunday, November 21st from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 P.M. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Monday, November 22nd at 11:00 A.M. Interment to follow at Thornton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Legion, Branch 43 Poppy Fund would be appreciated.