Obituary of Marilyn Anne (née Smith) Karlson

March 18, 1936 ~ April 9, 2020 The light of life has gone out of a treasured girl, wife, mother, grandmother and friend with the passing of Marilyn Anne Karlson in her 85th year. Marilyn and Ross Karlson were mutually blessed to marry the love of their lives; friends from childhood, their lifelong romance lasting over 70 years. Beloved Wife of Ross Edwin Karlson (Knute). Cherished mother of Linda (Dietz) Karlson; Tory and Mary Ellyn Karlson; Jill (Hirsch) Karlson and Steve Stacey. Proud and loving grandmother of Kevyn and Michael Dietz; Ross and Sydney Karlson; Erik, Matthew and Emma Hirsch. Predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and Marion Smith and her older brother, Ray Smith. Survived by her younger brother, Richard Smith and sisters-in-law, Loreen Baker and Brenda Smith. Numerous nieces and nephews all over North America that Marilyn loved include: Wendy and Doug McGrath, Murray and Marie-Isobelle Baker, Carl Baker, Karen and Brian Combs, J.D. and Petra Smith, Ken Smith, James Smith, and many more. Marilyn often stated: “I can only give what I have in my tool box to work with.” With solid moral fabric, Marilyn gave unconditional love to all of her friends and family members with never a negative word against another soul. Marilyn and Ross were blessed and grateful for their strong ties in London, Ontario. They were long-standing members of the London Hunt and Country Club and Greenhills Golf Club where Marilyn enjoyed many years of competitive recreational tennis. Marilyn generously gave a great deal of volunteer time, and puppeteering talents, to the May Court Club of London. Marilyn enjoyed downhill skiing and gracefully tackled the Swiss Alps through to the ice of Mont-Tremblant. To mark her 70th year, she leapt from an airplane and took sky diving off her bucket list. Marilyn was thrilled to travel from Alaska to Antigua, Barbados to England, sharing all of her adventures with her husband, whom she adored. Their cottage on the shores of Lake Huron brought 30 years of absolute joy to her family and all those that were fortunate to share time with Ross and Marilyn at their panacea that Marilyn fondly referred to as “Mine”. Marilyn trained as a Nurse at St. Joseph's School of Nursing in London, ON, graduating in 1959. This was an achievement she held close to her heart and she enjoyed celebrating every nursing reunion she could with unbridled joy. Not only athletic, Marilyn was a talented artist. Whether sewing, knitting, puppeteering, water colouring or sketching, her ability and eye for exceptional artistry was keen. Marilyn was a very spiritual woman, attending both Trinity Lutheran Church and Metropolitan United Church in London. She was a fine example of a Christian life in action and she faithfully professed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour. Marilyn loved so many, and in return so many loved Marilyn. She had innumerable lifelong friendships that she treasured like gold. Her dearest friends recall her impulsive and daring escapades with fond laughter! Marilyn was very devoted to family and friends; she thrived on sharing and appreciating the unique individual lives that came into her life with her genuine love and acceptance. The Karlson family would like to extend an enormous “THANK YOU!” to the staff at Westmount Gardens LTC (Longworth Long Term Care) for exemplary care of our beloved Marilyn. Over two years the caregivers on the Iris Wing relieved our hearts as we felt secure knowing she was meticulously nurtured and loved. God Bless all of you for the protocol you follow and the hard work you do, particularly during this pandemic. Cremation has taken place and a private family memorial gathering has been organized at Westview Funeral Chapel. A traditional memorial gathering will occur at a later date when our society returns to normalcy. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Marilyn are asked to consider Mission Services of London. “Our beloved Marilyn Anne Karlson, May the Lord hold you and keep you safe unto Him until we meet again in Eternal Life. Thank you Marilyn, for the gift of you.” Knute 519-521-9347