Beloved daughter of the late Margaret Burr (née Buchanan) and cherished wife of the late Robert “Bob” Swarbrick. Loving mother of Lisa Swarbrick, and Steve Swarbrick (Alyson Sabeans). Proud and much-loved Grammy of Tessa and Evan. Dear sister of Carol (late Bob Foster), and sister-in-law of John Swarbrick (Judy Sparks), Bonnie Swarbrick, Anne Swarbrick (Gar Darroch), and Mike Swarbrick. Beloved aunt to many special nieces and nephews and delightful cousin to so many.
Marilyn will be remembered for her playful and fun-loving spirit, her sweet, kind and generous nature, and her warm presence. She had a great love of gardening and flowers of all kinds. When able, she enjoyed playing bridge with friends and sharing a glass of wine. Above all, she loved spending time with her grandkids, who were the light of her life. Marilyn was fortunate to have a close-knit circle of lifelong friends who meant so much to her.
A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in memory of Marilyn Swarbrick to Victoria Village Manor, whose staff provided exceptional care and comfort in her final days, or to the Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation – Cancer Centre, whose support in earlier days was deeply appreciated.
The family has requested that if you wish to share pictures or videos of Marilyn, you can do so below or on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.swarbrick?mibextid=wwXIfr
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Jan Barton
Posted on: Thursday, May 22, 2025I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Jan
Lisa Swarbrick
Posted on: Thursday, May 22, 2025She really loved hearing your voice on the phone and was responding with her eyes so much! You made her really happy to hear your voice! What a send off! Thanks so much for being such a great friend Jan. One of her oldest, closest friends. Bless you. Biggest hugs, sharing in the loss, as we know you are. Much love. L
Nora & Jim Priestly
Posted on: Thursday, May 22, 2025Lisa, Steve and family – Your mom was a terrific lady, such a great friend to Janet, all the neighbors on Keele St. and so many others. Your mom and dad were incredibly kind to both of us and we will always remember them fondly. We hope the good times and happy memories carry all of you through these days. Sending our condolences to each of you. Nora & Jim Priestly
Lisa Swarbrick
Posted on: Friday, May 23, 2025Thanks so much Nora! Hi Jim and fam! So great to hear from you. Thx so much for chiming in. Amazing memories for sure with you all. Would love to see the old King/Aurora crew. Sending much love.
Anne Swarbrick & Gar Darroch
Posted on: Friday, May 23, 2025Marilyn was like another daughter to our mother, and sister in our family. She and Bob learned to play bridge, and had a great time at it, with Mom, Dad, Aunt Clare and Uncle Joe… She went on to enjoy it with friends well into her 80th year.
Marilyn was often the centre of the fun life of family gatherings at cottages and homes, and hosted many family reunions: with Bob, and even after his passing. She had decided not to host a reunion in 2002 – but changed her mind after learning that Gar and I had eloped and married: she declared it a wedding party for us. The art that graces our bedroom is a constant reminder: thanks to the resulting generous monetary gifts that enabled its quest and purchase.
Marilyn and Bob served almost parental roles to me after my parents had passed: donating generously to my election campaigns (in spite of not being supporters of my political party ), providing me with a lovely healing home in which to recover after major surgery, celebrating my achievements after returning to school as a mature student.
When I had to leave a beloved garden behind, Marilyn ‘re-homed’ some of my favourite plants – returning a special one to me when I moved in with Gar, naming this unknown variety ‘Anne’s Daylily’, and pointing out how it’s wellbeing seemed to mirror my own over the years.
When Marilyn’s health began seriously flagging at her Renoir residence, one of our fond photos shows Gar posed with Marilyn in front of the used skateboard that he had mischievously hunted for and placed in the hallway outside her door with a sign saying “Skateboard for sale: Apply within and ask for Marilyn”. He loved making her laugh.
One of the many things that we will miss with Marilyn gone is the beautiful handwriting that graced the birthday cards that she consistently sent to mark our special days. They are now among our ‘keepsafes’ of a much beloved woman.
Anne and Gar
Gary McEachern
Posted on: Friday, May 23, 2025Lisa, Steve and Family, so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother Marilyn. She and your Dad were great people to be around.
Your Mother always greeted me with a wonderful smile, and your Dad with that deep voice, I will never forget them.
She will be greatly missed, Sandy and myself send our condolences.
Lisa Swarbrick
Posted on: Monday, May 26, 2025Thx so much Gary!! How are you and fam?!? Hugs!
Alison Lorraine
Posted on: Friday, May 23, 2025Love to you and your family, Lisa, and my condolences to you regarding your wonderful mom.
Lisa Swarbrick
Posted on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025Thx so much Alison! Lovely of you to share. Hugs!
Mike Swarbrick
Posted on: Friday, May 23, 2025I consider myself blessed to have known Marilyn since I was about 10 years old.
We have always gotten along famously. She and my brother Bob hosted me for many weekends at their home in King city when I was a teen. I have many fond memories of Marilyn over these near 60 years now. We loved each other as brother and sister. We always had fun, comradery and good times together. The best of memories. She had a wonderful spirit, soul and sense of humour. We shared many good conversations and times together. In ways we were soulmates. I and many will continue on with the best and fondest of memories of her.
Jo-Ann Rowe
Posted on: Saturday, May 24, 2025Wow, Our Marilyn, she was so many wonderful qualities to
so many.
I swear that she had 9 lives.
In the last 10-15 years or so she withstood everything that was thrown at her. She fought to keep her independence. How brave and what endurance she had.
What a hard act to follow.
We loved her and we will miss her terribly.
Allison, Steve and Lisa
The support that you gave your Mother was endless. You should be so very proud.
Tessa and Evan
Your Grammy adored you both. She treasured every visit and took every opportunity to be
with you.
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you travel and endure this
grief journey.
She is finally at peace.
God rest her soul.
Love you Marilyn
Joey
John & Laurie Thorne
Posted on: Saturday, May 24, 2025We are immensely sorry for your loss of this great woman. We spent a lot of weekends with Marilyn and Bob at our cottage. We loved that Marilyn always joined us kids to do the loads of dishes after Clare’s big dinners and we had lots of laughs while doing so. We loved the family reunions Marilyn was so kind to host on Keele St and on Georgian Bay. She always wore a smile and held a glass of wine. She was a dear soul to all of the family. Bob, you could not have found a partner more perfect, not just for yourself, but for us. Marilyn fit snugly into the LaChapelle family from day one, and we loved her.
Much love and hugs to you all,
John and Laurie
Thorne Family
Posted on: Saturday, May 24, 2025Marilyn was such a lovely, kind lady. Dan and I really enjoyed speaking with her at all the family events. She was so positive and fun, always making us smile. She will truly be missed. Our deepest condolences to Steve, Ally, Tessa , Evan and Lisa. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Elizabeth K. Batiuk
Posted on: Sunday, May 25, 2025Dear Lisa, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have wonderful memories of staying with you and your mom from when I traveled through Toronto. She was so kind and lovely. Deepest condolences to you and your family. May her memory be a blessing.
Lisa Swarbrick
Posted on: Monday, May 26, 2025E! Lovely of you to chime in. Thanks so much for sharing this! We need to catch up soon! Hope all is well. Miss ya!
Louis Rosano
Posted on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025Finding out about Lisa’s mom was very sad.
I know she was going through a lot.
I remember I went up to visit Lisa and I met here mom she took me out for a great dinner.
I wish we lived closer
I would have visited her often.
She was a sweetheart!
She will make it to heaven that’s for sure!
RIP
Kelly Robertson
Posted on: Wednesday, May 28, 2025My sincere condolences to the entire Swarbrick family and especially Lisa and Steve. Marilyn was an excellent sister-in-law to me and a wonderful aunt to Dana and Daniel. I have fond memories of family visits with Marilyn, Bob, Lisa and Steve….tremendous hosts and lots of fun. Marilyn always remembered kids’ birthdays and at Christmas. She was a compassionate, friendly, and caring person who will be missed.
Anne Swarbrick & Gar Darroch
Posted on: Friday, May 30, 2025And Marilyn always enjoyed your company, Kelly! XXXOOO