Marilyn R. Murray
Marilyn Robinson Murray
December 16, 1932 – March 15, 2025
After 92 years full of living, we said a peaceful goodbye to our mom, Marilyn, on March 15 at Hospice Wellington in Guelph.
She leaves great memories for her children Marnie Wigood, Pete Robinson (Alison), Heather Robinson (Ron), the late Scott Robinson (Yetzi) and Jane Robinson (Chuck). She was immensely proud of her grandchildren Rob (Dana), Doug, Kathryn (Tristan), Amy (Alex), Dan (Susie), Sam (Ellen), Ben (Liz), Josh (Maddie), Sophy and Sammy. And she has already provided a lifetime of memories to her great grandchildren – Landen, Mylah, Morgen, Nolen, Orion, Eris, Darwyn, Declan, Ellie, Ernie, Shep, Lila, Charlie and Zoe.
Mom left a lasting impression on everyone she met and brightened the room with her presence. She had a quick wit, a wide swath of interests and friends, and lived her life with grace and endless energy.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Mom spent most of her younger life in Toronto with her parents Maude and John Inglis, and late brother Gord. She headed off to the University of Guelph to study home economics at MacDonald Institute, making lifelong friends and meeting our dad, Doug Robinson. They married in 1954, and in 1967, with five kids in tow, moved to the beloved Maplewood Farm outside of Guelph to raise beef cattle and golden retrievers, make maple syrup, and effortlessly entertain a steady stream of friends and family.
Maplewood provided the backdrop for many great years of memories for all of us and the interesting circle of friends that Mom and Dad accumulated along the way. As Mom’s health was failing, she beamed while reading stories from family friends whose lives she had touched. These memories brought her a lot of joy and comfort as she reflected on a long life.
Our farm was also home to the family business that Mom and Dad operated – Summit Films – creating and marketing educational 16 mm films for the agriculture and conservation sectors.
Ever the extrovert, Mom found a great calling in fundraising – at the University of Guelph, the Grand River Conservation Foundation and more. She brought her outgoing energy, creative ideas and natural flair to many boards and organizations including the Ellis Chapel and the Guelph Chamber Choir. She was a role model for the next generation.
After Dad’s death (1994), Mom enjoyed many years with her second husband, Ken Murray (2019) and is remembered by his family – daughters Susan (Richard), Leslie (Fred), his grandchildren Andrew (Kristin) and Lauren, and great grandchildren James and Michael.
Mom approached her last few weeks with grace and calm, reflecting on her life and spending time with family. She has left all of us with cherished memories that will carry us through the sadness that comes with saying goodbye.
Join us to celebrate Mom’s life at Harcourt United Church, 87 Dean Avenue, Guelph on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 3:00 pm, followed by refreshments. For those who are unable to attend but wish to watch the service remotely, you can do so via YouTube by clicking this link.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
In Mom’s honour, we would welcome charitable donations to Hospice Wellington, Harcourt United Church or the charity of your choice.
A tree will be planted in memory of Marilyn R. Murray in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.