We regret the passing of fabulous dancer Marilyn Duhasky at age 84, who spent the last three years of her life expressing herself through dance after a dementia diagnosis stole her use of language. She leaves behind a massive Marilyn shaped hole in the hearts of her spouse, Steve Fischer, only child Shannon Duhasky, and partner Ian Hill.

Her last years were spent in Petrolia (a town she had always fancied living in) at Meadowview Villa Care Home. Here we enjoyed so many times together full of laughter and love and endless outings to visit family, friends and her favourite places. Marilyn was very well cared for at the villa and she bonded with the staff. She was on the move till her end, fast and agile enjoying long walks.

Marilyn was born in Buckingham Quebec to Veronica Judge (nee Lahey) and Arthur Judge. She was the middle of three daughters. The family moved to Oshawa Ontario where she attended Holy Cross Primary school. Upon graduation from secondary school she was very proud to land a job as a key punch operator at General Motors.

Marilyn had a love of adventure and travel. At age 19, in the late 1950's she visited Hawaii and the Bahamas with her friend June.

By age 21 she took the opportunity to move to London England to work for a year with her friend Sylvia. The two then completed a tour across Europe before returning home to Oshawa where Marilyn resumed her role at General Motors.

A young marriage at age 25 to journalist Ivan Duhasky (20) was full of romantic love and hope, but after 6 years was unable to weather the life challenges the couple faced.

Marilyn met Steve Fischer at an Oshawa dance whilst Shannon was still in the crib. Steve had recently defected from Russian occupied Hungary and barely knew any English but he did know how to ask her to dance. Together the two found a life long partnership.

Steve moved the young family to Sarnia for work and Marilyn, always at the forefront of digital work, became employed at Sarnia City Hall in the computer department where she served until retirement.

After retirement Marilyn kept herself busy in the community through volunteering at the Stones and Bones museum, and the St Joseph Hospital Auxiliary and gift shop. She really enjoyed her time with the Auxiliary and later took on the role of secretary which kept her busy and on the road visiting other hospitals across the county.

The love of travel and adventure never left Marilyn and she exposed her daughter Shannon to a wide range of experiences, art and culture throughout her life. Numerous expeditions were made to England which she loved, along with Scotland, Amsterdam, Israel, Portugal, and Mexico.

She was close to her extended family and made many travels to Toronto and Midland to spend the holidays and make memories with them.

Surviving family members include younger sister Genvieve Reitson, her husband Joe and daughters Maureen and Sarah. Niece Diane Rhodenizer with daughters Rebecca and Lisa and son Philip, Brother in law Paul Lamy married to her beloved older sister Mary Lamy (predeceased). Nephew Robin Mason and family.

Marilyn will be remembered for being a stylish lady with impeccable taste in fashion and interior design along with a curator's love of arts and crafts. She has imparted much beauty into our world and will be missed beyond tears.

God bless you mom

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