Obituary of Marilyn Jean Cerminara

Surrounded by family, Marilyn Cerminara (nee Reilly) peacefully passed away at University Hospital on April 25, 2024. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Rocky, and is the proud and loving mother, mother-in-law and grandmother of Victoria and Magnus Jonsson of London and their children Ryan and Chloe, and Cindy and Sean Hodgins of Sparta and their children Conner (Kathleen), Adam, and Nathan. Marilyn was born in Truro Nova Scotia and raised in Thunder Bay and Kitchener Ontario. Predeceased by her parents E. James (1986) and Vera (2012) Reilly and her brother Kip (2012). Survived by her sister-in-law, Wendy Reilly of Elmira and Rocky’s sister and her husband, Angelina and Larry Smatana of Niagara Falls. She leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews across Canada. While a family celebration of life will take place at a later date, at Marilyn’s request, there will be no visitation or service. In light of this, we would like to take a moment and share with you a glimpse into her life. Marilyn had a variety of interests over her 82 years. In high school she enjoyed roller skating 3-4 nights a week. As a young business entrepreneur, she joined her company's five pin bowling and curling leagues. One boring summer she decided to take up scuba diving and then went in the opposite direction and got her pilot's licence. At the University of Waterloo, she met Rocky. As the story goes, Marilyn was a pinball player and Rocky excelled at playing pool. A match made in heaven. After marrying, and moving to Niagara Falls, she took a tailoring course in order to sew for her two daughters. Marilyn also delved into oil painting. Always one to try new things, after moving to Kitchener, she learned how to downhill ski. The family then moved to London where she was busy raising her daughters. Marilyn became very involved with their baseball teams, acting as team manager. Her daughters fondly remember the years of having her on the bench. Her volunteer commitment also extended to working on the baseball association's executive board and helping at the London Regional Cancer Centre upon retirement. She also took up golf and ten pin bowling. She very much enjoyed these sports and developed wonderful friendships along the way. An adventurer at heart, Marilyn was accompanied by her granddaughter, Chloe, when she received her first tattoo at the age of 80. The following year, Marilyn held Chloe's hand while Chloe received the exact same tattoo in honour of her grandma. Marilyn was an avid reader and transitioned well to the world of e-readers. She loved sudoku, puzzles and crossword puzzles. The grandkids taught her how to text and we will all miss getting notification alerts with her daily wordle results. Marilyn lit up any room she entered with her warmth and welcoming nature. As she did not want any fuss over her passing, we simply ask that you take a moment, raise your glass and think of her fondly.