Marilyn Preston

Obituary

Marilyn Naomi Jean Preston died on September 30, 2026, on her own terms and in her own time.

Marilyn was born in Holstein, Ontario in the middle of a raging 1935 snowstorm. She grew up in a loving home, where her parents, Eileen and Arthur, made the very most of very little for Marilyn and her four siblings.

Marilyn’s successful teaching career spanned forty years. While pursuing her degree at York University, she met her future husband Ross at a singles dance. They married on a scorching August day in 1968 and remained by each other’s side until his death 35 years later.  Marilyn was a wonderful mother and friend to daughter Jennifer; always in her corner, with unwavering love and no shortage of “helpful” advice.

After moving to Port Elgin, Ontario Marilyn and Ross found a piece of heaven in their forever home on the shores of Lake Huron, where Marilyn enjoyed over ten thousand beautiful sunsets.

Marilyn was an accomplished world traveller, lawn bowler and golfer and was always game for a good, long walk. She loved perfectly ripe cantaloupe, midnight snacks and the colour pink.  A voracious reader, Marilyn’s bookshelves were filled with well-worn classics and new releases.  Her friendships, old and new, spanned decades and time zones.   Marilyn finished crosswords in pen well into her eighties. She loved family movie night and was exceptionally good at feigning shock when her own movie picks leaned towards the racier side of things.  She worried too much.   She was always prepared. She liked things done a certain way, but Marilyn was usually (annoyingly) right.

Marilyn will be lovingly remembered by daughter, Jennifer and son-in-law Victor Kushmaniuk and grand dogs Bebe and Alfie.  Predeceased by her husband Ross, parents Eileen and Arthur, siblings Arlene (Sam), Yvonne (Jack), Aubrey (Ruth) and Floyd.

Marilyn leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and love. We are grateful for her long life and are lucky to have shared it.

A celebration of life will be held for Marilyn in the spring, her favourite season. Details to be announced.

In memory of Marilyn, donations to the Saugeen Shores Hospital Foundation or the Grey Bruce Animal Shelter would be gratefully appreciated.