Marilyn Meta Thwaite, succumbed to cancer on February 20 at the age of 77. She is survived by her husband Brian Thwaite, step-son Mark (Ashley), brother Don Smith (Helen), sister-in-law Anne Smith, sisters Joyce (Frank Sas), Joan (Grant Byers), Susan (Richard Binning), brother-in-law Len Thwaite (Janet), sister-in law Margaret Thwaite, nieces and nephews Jeff, Hayley, Darcy, Kent, Heather, Paul, Ryan, Brad, Aaron, Carla, Lesley, Helen, Mags, Linda, Alison, Graham, Paul and Andrew, and many great nieces and nephews. Marilyn was predeceased by her parents Meta and Earl, brother Gerry and brother-in-law John. Her family will miss her terribly.

Marilyn worked in office management in numerous positions over her career and she strived to continually improve her skills. Early in her career, when her office became involved in data processing, Marilyn assumed more responsibility and enrolled in part-time courses at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute. This led to a job co-ordinating data on colleges, students, staff and physical facilities. She later completed a business program at the University of Toronto, while working full time.

Marilyn was devoted to her friends and family. She could be relied on to take visiting friends and family to tourist sites and restaurants all over Toronto. Marilyn was dedicated about celebrating everyone’s birthday and special occasions. She regularly met with friends at restaurants, sampling all sorts of wonderful foods. She hosted fabulous parties for family and friends at her home. She was known for her generosity. Marilyn was passionate about travel and she enjoyed trips to The Bahamas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and many other places in the United States and Canada.

During her illness, Marilyn participated in a drug trial and other studies in the hopes of advancing cancer care for future patients. Sincere appreciation goes to the staff at Kensington Hospice, and to the palliative care staff at Princess Margaret Hospital for the care provided to Marilyn at the end of her life. They do important work at both places. Memorial donations can be made to Kensington Hospice or cancer charities.