Marilyn Ann (Jones) Isler/Churchill

Marilyn Ann CHURCHILL

formerly: Isler

nee: Jones

A radiant, vivacious soul, Marilyn Ann Churchill left us on Monday, June 9, 2025. She departed as she wished, looking out over her favorite view from her home at Oakwinds, Point Holmes, Comox, Vancouver Island, holding hands with Mervyn, the love of her life and soulmate.

Marilyn was born on September 26th, 1948, in Fitchburg MA to Donald and Evelyn Jones. Growing up in Lunenburg MA she cherished memories of those youthful and adventurous years spent with her much-loved cousin/sister Coleen LaFosse (often aware of the watchful eye of her beloved, older brother Jon).

While growing up she embraced being surrounded by nature, spending as much time as possible outdoors, especially at the lake during the summer months. Being so physically active lead to an enthusiastic participation in sports throughout her school years and graduating Lunenburg High in 1966.

Marilyn came from a hard-working family of modest means. She felt happy and blessed with a childhood rich in simple pleasures and surrounded by nature, forever grateful to her loving parents Donald and Evelyn. One example forever brings a smile; an old bicycle her father had lovingly refurbished, then painted a bright red, white and blue which she treasured as a "Super Bike". Likewise, a little old boat that allowed them access to the lake.

These early years would be the inspirational foundation that led to the beautiful human-being she would become, humble with the purest of hearts. A model of love, warmth, kindness, decency, and generosity, with an unquestionable "love of life", a "joie de vivre" that was inexhaustible to the end.

The athleticism of her youth led to a resurgence of interest in tennis in her thirties, which soon became a passion and remained so for the rest of her life. She became a professional tennis instructor and managed several pro shops in prestigious tennis and country clubs in the US.

Her style of coaching, mentoring, and teaching inspired many women to find their joy in the sport. The tennis scene also became integral in forming lifelong friendships. She cherished her "tennis girls," whether in Florida, or here in Comox, and enjoyed their company, friendship, and loyalty, sharing many jovial times and always leaving echoes of laughter.

A pivotal moment in her life was moving to Canada to join her Soulmate. It was the country she would embrace, and she enthusiastically became a proud citizen at the earliest opportunity. She studied so hard for her citizenship test, only to learn from the judge that she was exempt from it due to her age; she insisted on being tested anyway!

Here, her childhood love of nature was reinvigorated. She was often found walking in the woods and especially on shorelines, gathering "treasures" meaningful to her: small rocks, driftwood, bark, seashells, sea glass, and fragments of old porcelain and pottery, all of which she transformed into beautiful works of art. Her natural artistic ability led to the creation of jewellery, pottery, stained glass, uniquely decorated seashells, coasters, and beautiful paintings.

She was in her element being surrounded by the natural beauty of the West Coast and called it her "Happy Place.” Repeatedly, she was quick to tell all that this was the happiest she had ever been.

She and Mervyn traveled hundreds of thousands of miles together, many side-by-side in a vehicle, a test for any relationship, but their love just grew stronger. They never regretted a single moment and often wished they could do it all over again.

Whether exploring beautiful, isolated locales and beaches - many only accessible by logging roads - stays in rustic cabins, and even a tent on a remote west coast beach (she did say, "This is the last time I sleep in a tent" lol. which sadly proved to be true). She was always a trooper and game to try almost anything while always sharing laughter with Mervyn.

The pinnacle of Marilyn's legacy is her children and grandchildren, whom she loved, cherished and was so very proud of. Daughter, Micaela (Isler), Pahno (husband, Pete), granddaughter, Margeaux Pahno, son, Brad Isler (wife, Bo Young), and grandsons, Johnathan and Jackson. 

Marilyn's children were born into a military lifestyle that required countless relocations in the US and abroad. Her key goal was to minimize trauma and stress and make it as fun as possible for them. She had a natural ability to take any abode and magically transform it to a "Home is Where the Heart Is". At the same time, she excelled at hosting many formal dinners and events. Equally she was as comfortable and enjoyed casual dinners with friends and family. She is remembered by them as a loving mother, fabulous cook and baker, and a proud supporter of all their endeavours.

Marilyn loved and embraced Mervyn's children, Tara (Craig), Adam (Nicole), and Clark (Dawn) and grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan, Malia, Parker, and Charlotte, which was heartfelt and reciprocated by them.

Prior to passing, Marilyn and Mervyn constantly expressed their undying love for one another with the belief that it transcends time as they will remain Soulmates forever.

Marilyn's free spirit, love of life, and compassionate, loving demeanour along with the love of family will live on in the hearts of all those who were blessed to know her. She held a special place in her heart for her beloved brother Jon (Jean) and his granddaughters. Marilyn was predeceased by loving parents Donald and Evelyn Jones and younger sister, Barbara.

She is survived by her husband Mervyn, brother Jon (Jean), sister Patricia (Pat), and children Micaela (Pete), Brad (Bo Young) along with grandchildren, Johnathan, Jackson, and Margeaux.

…Eventually we’ll die but still together we’ll lie

Beneath the sweet heather and sunny blue skies

and there where we rest a stone will attest,

“Reunited to last these two souls of the past

Soulmates forever and ever they’ll be

For Theirs is an old love, a tried-and-true love,

a transcending time love, for eternity"

written by Mervyn to Marilyn, 2000

Celebrations of life to be announced on a future date, but rest assured, as typical for Marilyn, they will be informal as she would wish to emphasize "Celebration" with fun and laughter. Her family and friends who wish to Celebrate her in their own way are invited to do so, with the stipulation be in "A Happy Place" and have a good LAUGH !

Sometimes when I look to the sky

I think with angels I see you fly.

And if I glance up there at night,

When all the stars are shining bright,

I think how heavenly it must be,

Flying so high in the galaxy.

No earthly care or heavy heart

And although a million miles apart,

You know my thoughts are of you still;

They always were and always will.

So fly high my love, until one day

I say hello and with you stay.

Written by Monty Churchill to his wife Rosette

Thank you to: North Island Health Services Palliative Care Team, nurses from the Home Care Team, Corey and the team of the Comox Fire Rescue, along with the numerous professional Home Support Workers who provided exceptional care and compassion to Marilyn and Mervyn during her final journey.

Special thanks to Marilyn's friends who rallied with support, especially Maryellen and Cathy. If you wish to make a donation to an organization that aligns with Marilyn's values, be it health or social-community orientated or in support of local artists please do so with her thanks and blessing.