Obituary of Marilyn Grace Light

Resting at home, in the early hours of Monday, January 18th, 2021, Marilyn Grace Light passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus.   Marilyn is survived by her husband of 54 years, Frederick Ernest Light, her children John and Sarah Light, daughter-in-law Trisha Light, her granddaughters Elizabeth Grace Light and Charlotte Hope Light and her brothers, Ken and Garry Roberts.  Marilyn was also blessed in her life with eight nephews and nieces and many wonderful brothers and sisters-in-law.  Marilyn was predeceased by her parents, Don and Jean Roberts and her parents-in-law Eva and Jack Light. 

Marilyn was born August 12, 1947 in St. Thomas, Ontario. She spent her early years enjoying the family vacations fishing and swimming. 

After high school, Marilyn graduated from teaching college and met her future husband at a local YMCA social. Together, they made the long journey from southwestern Ontario to make Nepean their home.  Marilyn got a job teaching elementary grades 1-3.  She loved young children. 

In these early years of marriage, tragedy struck and Marilyn developed acute Leukemia.  Even though their young life seemed destined for a tragic end, Marilyn found Jesus and accepted Christ as her Saviour and soon after so did Fred.  Many people were praying for a miracle and God answered.  Despite the futility of medical treatment for leukemia at the time, the cancer suddenly disappeared never to return.  God breathed life back into Marilyn. 

Doctors were unsure if she could ever have children, but God blessed her with two.  Marilyn then turned her heart back to teaching—but this time in Sunday School.   She spent the next 40 years using her felt cartoon characters to make Bible stories come to life for young children.   

Marilyn nurtured her children and husband with love and affection her whole life.  When her husband Fred also went through tough medical challenges early on, she stood by his side. 

The cornerstone of her life was her brown leather-covered King James Bible that she read and marked up every day. 

After her stroke, Marilyn developed a special relationship with her granddaughter Elizabeth Grace who visited her frequently in hospital and then at home.  They laughed, loved, and drew pictures together while Grandma kept sacrificing her hospital cookies (the only good-tasting hospital food) to Elizabeth.

A private family service will take place on Sunday, January 24th, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. EST; family and friends wishing to participate may do so virtually via the following webcast link:

Virtual Funeral Service

If so desired, donations in memory of Marilyn can be made to the Cancer Research Center at the Ottawa Hospital.