Marilyn Jane (Sobol) Morrison

Marilyn Jane (Sobol) Morrison passed away peacefully on February 25, 2014, surrounded by the memories and people she loved. Marilyn approached her 18 year cancer battle and her death with the same independence, determination, courage and strength that she lived her life.

Marilyn was born in Sydney on September 7, 1941, where she grew up cherishing, her strong Polish community and culture. She was the daughter of the late Stella (Paruch) and Joe Sobol of Wesley Street.

Marilyn's vocation was teaching and she exhibited that gift in every aspect of her life. She graduated from Normal College in 1959, and began her first teaching job in the community in which she was raised-Villanova School, Whitney Pier. Her teaching career spanned over 35 years until her retirement from Holy Angels High School.

Marilyn was a strong advocate of lifelong learning and over the years continued to enhance her teaching skills through various programs and courses affiliated with CBU. This belief in continued learning, as well as her drive to excel, formed the foundation of Marilyn’s strong work ethic. It was important to Marilyn to instill this in her younger siblings, children and grandchildren.

Marilyn married the love of her life, John in 1964, and together they raised 4 daughters on Cartier Street in the house that John helped build. Family life was everything to John and Marilyn and they enjoyed wonderful summers with their girls in Middle Cape. After John’s passing, Marilyn sought solace in this beautiful part of Cape Breton Island. There, she loved nothing more than to watch her grandchildren learn to swim in the waters of the Bras d’Or, spend warm evenings playing “spotlight”, building bonfires, sharing good times, cheers and conversation with friends and family.

During the winter months Marilyn made her biannual visits to Cuba. These trips and the longstanding friendships that ensued gave her enormous joy. Although Marilyn could not make the trip this autumn, she relived past travels with smiles and laughter in her final days.

Marilyn leaves behind to mourn her passing four daughters, Mary Coleen, Ottawa; Brenda (Jeff); Danielle and Karen, all of Sydney. She also leaves a brother she so admired, John (Valerie) Sobol, Southside Boularderie; sister-in-law Josie Sobol, East Bay; her sister Sharon Sobol, Sydney; her “adopted” sister and caregiver Lee Ellen; nephew Ben; two step-grandchildren Rachyl and Marcus, as well as many, many special friends near and far.

Marilyn will forever be missed by her 11 grandchildren Tristan, John Angus,

Gabrielle, Marianne, Peter, Daniel, Colin, Hanna, Payton, Caitryn, and Elyssa. They all loved their "Baba" dearly, and she strived to teach them all aspects of her beloved Polish heritage so it could be carried on through the generations.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband John, brothers Joseph and Nicholas and sister Janet.

Just as Marilyn directed her life and final days, so too did she participate in her memorial planning. As per Marilyn's wishes, cremation has occurred. Funeral mass officiated by Rev. Paul Murphy will take place at St. Mary's Polish Church, Wesley Street, Whitney Pier on Tuesday, March 4 at 11am. There will be a gathering with family for friends and colleagues to share in a celebration of Marilyn’s life after her funeral mass from 12 noon to 2 pm. Come and share stories and memories of years gone by. Internment will take place at a later date in Resurrection Cemetery and Middle Cape.

Donations may be made to Hospice Palliative Care Society or VON Cape Breton Metro Branch. Let Marilyn's belief of "never losing hope" be realized through these donations. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com