On December 26, 2022, in her 79th year, Marilyn passed away surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of the late John Robert Kyles, of 53 years. Brilliant mother of Jennifer (Bradley Ralph), Kerri Henneberger (David), and Gregory. Enthusiastic Gran of Taylor, Mitchell, Dexter, Jalynn, Paige, and Hanna. Dear sister-in-law of Barbara Fergusson and Susan Ellis.
Marilyn was a dedicated elementary school educator for over 35 years with the Hamilton School Board, a relentless volunteer and community builder in Ancaster and Port Elgin, Ontario, and a lifelong learner at heart. As a young woman, she juggled her career and role as a mom with precision. She completed Teachers College in her early twenties and conquered a Master’sDegree in Education while raising three young children and working full time.
In retirement, Marilyn and John relocated from Ancaster to their cottage community of Gobles Grove, Port Elgin. Life did not slow down for Marilyn but took on a wonderful rhythm of extracurricular activities which included exercise (yoga, biking, hiking, and more), vacations to places on her wish list, volunteering, entertaining friends who resided steps from her beach home and beyond and spoiling her Grandchildren. She was well known for sending thoughtful and funny cards, or personalized gifts – knitted, sewn, scrapbooked, or quilted. Marilyn gave her positive and endless energy to roles with The Right to Play, the Bruce County Museum, Probus Club, The Beachers’ Association, and more.
During the last few years, she drew great pleasure from golf with the Women’s league at Southport, hiking with a local gals’ crew, her weekly bridge games, and listening to her music – Jazz to Willie Nelson to Presley while buzzing around town always with a smile. Marilyn will be remembered as a peppy, caring, and courageous friend and matriarch.
We are all better people for having known her.
Friends of the Kyles family may call at the Lakeshore Racquet Club, 1177 Goderich St., Port Elgin on Saturday, January 14 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm for a celebration of a life well lived.
Memorial donations to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation or the Canadian Tire JumpStart Charity would be appreciated by the family.
