Obituary of Marilyn Jean Van Meer

It is with saddened hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Marilyn Jean Van Meer at the Ottawa General Hospital on Thursday, February 09, 2023, at the age of 84. Beloved wife for 58 years of Ronald Van Meer. Loving mother of Lisa (Paul), and Janet (Brian) Yanosik. Forever missed by her grandchildren Justin and Patrick. Survived by her sisters Theresa (late Paul) Upper, and Carol (John) Chouinard. Predeceased by her parents Bert and Ida Thompson, her brother Don (Betty) Thompson, her brother-in-law Doug (late Edna) Van Meer, and sister-in-law Jean (late Bill) Taylor. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Marilyn grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and her warm, caring personality and sense of adventure led her to pursue a nursing degree at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, from which she graduated in 1960. Forging strong bonds with her classmates, she looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed visits with her classmates and their five year reunions. Marilyn contributed many years in the healthcare field; she started her nursing career with the Victorian Order of Nurses (V.O.N.), a job which brought her to Smiths Falls. She later worked as a public health nurse at the Health Unit and then as a Home Care Coordinator. She retired in 1997 and has always been fondly and respectfully remembered by those she worked with and those for whom she provided care. Marilyn’s warmhearted, welcoming and extremely generous personality was ever-present. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing her immediately felt comfortable in her presence. Even in her dying days, she never lost her positive outlook on life, her sense of humor and her stoicism. Her concern for everyone around her never wavered. Marilyn loved to talk with others and she had a phenomenal memory. When she shared a story, she would do so with recall of even the finest details of an event, painting a picture with words for her listeners. She also really listened to others, focusing closely on what was being said. She asked questions and, as soon as she sensed a need in others, she was there to help, whether it meant picking up the phone to check on someone, sending cards to let people know she was thinking of them, or making custard for people who were ill and having trouble eating. She could always be counted on to be there for anyone. Marilyn’s greatest passions were her family and caring for others, including the neighbor’s pets. She had a wonderful zest for life, never missing an opportunity to be with others, travel with friends and family, and to spend time with her grandsons. One of her favorite places was at the family’s Otter Lake property, where family, friends and pets were always welcome. She enjoyed swimming, trips around the lake by boat, sunset dinners, and floating in the water with a margarita. Marilyn regularly attended the Trinity United Church in Smiths Falls. The family would like to thank the caring staff at the Smiths Falls Hospital and the incredible teams of care workers at the Ottawa Cancer Center. The outpouring of support from family and friends meant more than words can say. A special mention goes to mom’s nieces who made sure someone was always with mom when immediate family could not be there. As per Marilyn's wishes, cremation has taken place. Please join us for a celebration of Marilyn’s life on Saturday, July 29th from 14:00-16:00 at The Legion in Smiths Falls. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Trinity United Church, or the Canadian Red Cross would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lannin Funeral Home. Online condolences can be shared at www.lannin.ca