GILBERT, Marilyn

It is with deep sadness and love that we announce the passing of Marilyn Diane Gilbert of Alliston who passed away on April 22nd, 2026, peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Marilyn was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend whose kindness and compassion touched everyone she met. Marilyn was born on October 2nd, 1944, in Kitchener, Ontario to Frances and Ralph Hodd. She leaves behind her brother Chris, beloved husband of almost 59 years John, daughters Dana Belus (Bill) and Lori Futterer (Casey), and five grandchildren Tyler, Brady, Eve, Christian and Averie. She also leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, caring, fun, laughter and empathy. Marilyn and John met at the University of Western Ontario and started dating in teachers’ college in 1966. Sparks flew and they married 10 months later. They moved to Niagara Falls and later Elora where they spent their years raising 2 daughters and teaching high school. They later moved to Alliston to be closer to their children and grandchildren in their retirement years. Marilyn taught secretarial sciences at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute (GCVI) where her passion in adult education shone, assisting women building new skills to reenter the work force. The strong relationships she built throughout her career with both her students and colleagues demonstrated her rare and profound empathy. Outside of her career and raising a family, Marilyn had a HUGE life. She loved playing squash, tennis and golf, and loved camping, canoeing and cycling. She collected lifelong friends wherever she went from grade school to university and throughout her communities of Elora, Panama City Beach, and Alliston. These relationships were so important to her and brought her so much joy. Marilyn and John also loved to travel. They had many adventures that included cycling through Europe and Ontario, as well as camping and canoeing with family and friends. Marilyn gave so much back to her communities. Her volunteer work ranged from Big Sisters to the Elora United Church, Canadian Cancer Society, Grandmothers Embrace and Matthews House; helping others was a core part of who she was. Marilyn delighted in being a grandmother and had such a special relationship with each of her grandchildren. They absolutely adored her and the time she spent with them was so meaningful – they will miss their Nana terribly. As a mother there was no one better. She was so present, was selfless while still demonstrating self-care, had great insight and advice and led by example in terms of what a well-lived life looked like. At the heart of Marilyn’s life was her love for John; it was beyond measure. Their partnership was the foundation upon which their family was built. They laughed and talked so much that it was clear that they were best friends. Right to end they were singing and kissing and smiling and loving each other. What a gift to all that had the fortune to be in their presence. We would like to thank the wonderful and compassionate staff at Riverwood Senior Living home that took such good care of Marilyn as she navigated her Parkinson’s diagnosis, especially in the last several months of her life. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Matthew House Hospice, Alliston. Arrangements entrusted to Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home Ltd, 280 St. David St. S., Fergus, ON, 519-843-3100. Visit www.grahamgiddfh.com for Marilyn’s online memorial.