Marilyn Eleanor Peck , 76, of Springhill, passed away at the Colchester East Hants Health Center on May 22 nd , 2026. She was my mother. And the strongest woman I have known, next to her mother, Jean Howard. This is her life story through my eyes.

Marilyn grew up on both the east and west sides of Canada, moving between Economy and Springhill, NS, and Kitimat, BC. Her father, Clifford Peck passed away in her younger years. Perhaps that helped sculpt her into the strong, independent woman that she became. She could do anything. She loved to fish and hunt and dig clams. She helped my dad, David Webb, build a beautiful home in Economy. There was a fireplace built from large rocks that she alone carried from the woods. She was so artistic and could make anything beautiful. She painted a beautiful flower bouquet on my bedroom wall with Q-tips. When she divorced, she moved to Halifax and began her job as a single mother. Marilyn was not afraid of hard work. She did whatever job she could to make ends meet, and ensure her daughter Carrie was in safe hands while she worked. Over the years, Marilyn worked at various restaurants, she worked at Maritime Medical doing data entry, Seagull Pewter as an artist, as an entrepreneur with her own pewter business, Pure Energy battery factory, and at Mimi's convenience store, the Jade Palace, and the Rollaways Motel in Springhill. She was extroverted and social. She made so many friends over the years. She was kind, empathetic, and chatted with strangers wherever she went with zero judgment. Whether it was on the Halifax Transit (bus), with customers while she worked, sitting in a waiting room with strangers, and of course anyone walking a dog. She was not a wallflower. She had a presence wherever she was. She enjoyed being around people, and they enjoyed her. People trusted her and her kind heart. She was a natural caretaker. She babysat cousins in her younger years, and cared for seniors in her older years. Her kindred spirit, Erik Paulsen, was in her care for a number of years. She did so much for him, and he was forever grateful.

Marilyn sometimes leaned on her mother Jean, and sister Barb to help care for Carrie. She sacrificed her job in Halifax and moved to Springhill to live with them so Carrie would not be alone while she was working. This multi-generational living situation benefited everyone. As Barb and their mother aged, Marilyn became their caretaker. She would take her mom to BINGO and get her to appointments, and do the grocery shopping, and worked full-time. She was a busy woman.

Eventually the next generation came along. When Marilyn became a grandmother, she was over the moon. She loved Irelynn and Gillian so much. She loved when they came to visit in Springhill, or when she went to Sackville to visit them. She spent as much time as she could with them. She was the best Nana. She was always down on their level playing, coloring, or cuddling. She loved taking them on adventures with Carrie. Whether it was going to the Oxford exhibition, Magnetic Hill Zoo, Heather's beach, Economy, swimming at public pools, or fishing, they always had a special time. They loved their Nana so much. They had so many laughs, and made so many fantastic memories. Unfortunately, Marilyn became forgetful. And the forgetfulness became dementia. Marilyn, Jean and Barb began having trouble managing on their own. Jean passed away. A few falls happened. In 2022, Marilyn and Barb both moved to Serenity Lodge in Enfield. Together. It's amazingly rare to have a husband and wife stay together, let alone siblings. Together, they lived in a comfortable, home-like setting, with care- takers that were like family, and not people passing the day working at their jobs. Despite her memory issues, Marilyn didn't lose her sense of humor. She was always being silly and making people laugh. She was the life of the party and the most boisterous at the Lodge. Marilyn's instinctual care for others continued as well, as she tried to care for Barb and her elderly housemates. She often asked if anyone needed her to get them anything or if they were okay. Even in her last days at the hospital, she was more concerned about the woman crying in the other room, than her own life-threatening illness.

Everyone that knew Marilyn has great memories of their time with her. She was quite the character. She will be missed by everyone. But especially by me, Carrie. She was everything to me when I was a child, and she was my best friend as I grew up. She was always there at a moment's notice, to help in any way that she could. She was selfless. After Irelynn was born, mom came to live with us part-time so I could go back to work. I was tremendously thankful to her for everything that she did for us. I told her I loved her, and thanked her for everything she did for us, every time I saw her, and as the last thing I said to her while she was awake. I would like to thank all of the ladies at the Serenity Lodge for the amazing compassion and patience they showed my mother over the years. How you all let her be herself, and do what she loved doing. Whether it was picking flowers or leaves and bringing them inside, making a house for Monty the stray cat, or going outside for one more cigarette. I know you guys loved her. Thank you to Doctor Rosie for caring for mom, and taking the time to send me condolences because my mom left her mark on you. Thank you Jack Terris for hiring my mom at Rollaways and teaching her to golf. Thank you for treating her so well for the years while you were together.

Now that you have heard how I will remember my mom, please take a moment while you sip your coffee, tea, or Pepsi, to think of a special memory you have of her. I welcome you to join us graveside on Monument Hill, on June 27th  at 12 pm as we bury mom's ashes next to her mother. Thank you. Carrie, Irelynn and Gillian Phillips, together with my husband James Parisee.

A graveside service to celebrate Marilyn's life will be held Saturday, June 27 at 12 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery, Main Street, Springhill .