Obituary of Marilyn Yvonne Canavan

Age 87, of Rawdon Gold Mines, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in Hants Community Hospital, Windsor. Born on January 5, 1939, in South Rawdon, Marilyn was a daughter of the late John and Ola (Mattinson) Wood and the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Marilyn leaves behind her devoted husband of 67 years, Ken; loving children, Heather (David), Elaine, Nancy (Dave), Ken (Trina) and Brian (Clem). She was a proud and cherished grandmother to James (Jen), Matthew, Alex, Luke (Sarah), Kevin, Gabe, Owen and Jack and a beloved great-grandmother to six.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her granddaughter, Kaitlyn; siblings, Joyce, Ronnie, Don and Glen.

A lifelong learner, Marilyn graduated from the Nova Scotia Normal College in Truro and later continued her education at Mount Saint Vincent University. She spent most of her career teaching elementary school in Sackville and Beaver Bank. Even in retirement, she continued taking courses in well-being and spirituality.

Marilyn’s most cherished roles in life were “Mom” and “Nanny.” She was happiest at home, surrounded by family - celebrating accomplishments, offering encouragement and sharing her wisdom with quiet strength and warmth. She loved tending her garden, baking (especially biscuits and apple pie), playing cards and hosting family gatherings. She delighted in singing along with the hymns she loved, a joy she carried with her until her final days. Feisty in spirit and blessed with a wonderful sense of humour, she will be deeply missed. Marilyn was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Centre Rawdon.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317), where visitation will be held 6-8 p.m., on Friday, February 13. A funeral service in memory of Marilyn will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 14, in St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 1523 Hwy. 14, Centre Rawdon. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marilyn may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, 112-2719 Gladstone St., Halifax, NS B3K 4W6 or to a charity of one’s choice. Messages may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca, open the obituary and click on the condolence tab.