Marilyn L. O'Donnell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear sister, Marilyn Lynn O’Donnell. Marilyn passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, at the Loch Lomond Village (LLV: 2017-2025). Marilyn was born in Saint John on December 8, 1954, and the daughter of the Late Lawrence Edmund O’Donnell and the Late Marie Anne (Caissie) O’Donnell. 

Marilyn made many friends along the way and held them in highest esteem. Marilyn especially loved her best friend Retired Saint John Firefighter, Bob Howard. She looked forward to all their telephone calls and conversations (and there were a lot of them). Marilyn cherished all the attention, support and care Bob extended to her over the years. She thought the world of Bob’s wife, Debbie, and thanks her for sharing him. They brought a lot of sunshine, fun and laughs into her life.

Marilyn enjoyed her many visits from her nephew Joseph, and his dog Sadie. They brightened up her day and always put a smile on her face. She also looked forward to their evening three-way telephone calls linking in her sister Patty.

Marilyn loved her support person and cherished the friendship that Sarah Alexander extended to her over the years. Prior to Marilyn going into Loch Lomond Village she thought she would lose Sarah. Sarah reassured Marilyn that that she was a “Friend for Life”. Sarah lived up to her promise and made Marilyn feel the love and attention that Sarah shared with her.

One of Marilyn’s favorite sayings: “Love wasn’t put in your heart to stay. Love isn’t Love til you give it away”.

Marilyn is survived by her sisters, Sandra Mosher (Stephen), Bonnie McKinnon and Patty O’Donnell, nephew, Saint John Firefighter, Joseph James Shelley, sister-in-law Christene Schafer (Alberta), nieces, Sabrina Butterfly O’Donnell, Corissa Spring O’Donnell and great niece, Violet Walker.  

Marilyn was predeceased by her parents, Lawrence Edmund O’Donnell (July 1, 2010) and Marie Anne (Caissie) O’Donnell (February 28, 2011), brother, Gary Charles O’Donnell (Alberta-August 11, 2019), sister Cathy Ann O’Donnell (December 2, 2019) and brother-in-law, Alan McKinnon (January 13, 2023). 

The Family extends a special thank you to everyone at the Loch Lomond Village for providing social activities, support persons and excellent personal and health care as well as safety, mental and physical health and well-being.  The Family is grateful for your hard work, patience, empathy and compassion that was provided to our Dear Sister over the years. Marilyn certainly enjoyed her stay at the Loch Lomond Village (Dogwood House) and considered LLV her home– (2017-2025).

Arrangements are under the direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (506-646-2424).  A private interment will be beside her parents at Ocean View Memorial Gardens. R.I.P. Dear Sister. Donations in memory of Marilyn may be made to CNIB, Inclusion New Brunswick or to the charity of the donor’s choice.