Obituary of Marilyn Isabelle Walker

WALKER, Marilyn Isabelle - After a lifetime of experiencing creativity, Marilyn I. Walker peacefully passed away in her home surrounded by her loved ones on October 1, 2015. Beloved wife and best friend of Norris for 57 years; cherished and loved mother of daughters, Sheila (Robert) Bonapace, Elizabeth (Steven) Casper and predeceased by her daughter Jennifer Walker (2006). Proud grandmother of R. Spencer and Brittany Bonapace; David (Kelley) Casper, Kristen (Jerry) Davidse; Christopher, Heather, Luke and Tanya Robinson. Fond great grandmother of Jake Davidse. Dear sister of Donna Nunn and Susan Busch. Predeceased by her parents Donald and Patricia Shaw. Marilyn celebrated life to the fullest. Marilyn was a pioneer and innovative fiber artist and lecturer as well as an inspirational philanthropist and community benefactor. Her many accomplishments included being an award-winning author, a visionary artist, curator of transformational Quilt exhibitions at Rodman Hall, member of the Niagara Heritage Quilt Guild, Charter President of the Canadian Quilters Association, recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary and of the 2015 International Women's Day award. She also obtained an Honourary Doctorate of Law from Brock University in 2008. Special thanks to Marilyn's amazing care team especially the Heart Function and Renal Clinics at the Niagara Health System. We would also like to thank the compassionate staff from ParaMed, Wright Rehab and Sandra's Home Health Care. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, Oct. 7 and Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines, ON ( 905-937-4444). A Celebration of Marilyn's Life will be held on Friday, Oct. 9, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Ridley Memorial Chapel, 2 Ridley Rd. St. Catharines, ON and a Reception to follow at Ridley College. In keeping with Marilyn's philanthropic philosophy, memorial contributions may be made to Niagara Artists Center (NAC) and Hospice Niagara.