CHARBONNEAU, Marilyn Ruth Charbonneau

She was born in Detroit Michigan on April 10, 1933 passed away on January 22, 2026 at Bluewater Health in Sarnia, Ontario surrounded by her family. Daughter of the late Ruth and George Rowe. Loving wife to Wilfred Charbonneau, proud Mother to five children Mark Gardner (Judy), James (Jimmy) Gardner, Bonnie Wise, Karen Lenning (Scott) and Kathleen Gardner. Proud Stepmother to Kerry Charbonneau (Elaine) and Wendy Yates. Loving sibling to Tom Rowe (Diane) and Georgeanne Copeland (Howard). Proud Grandma to 17 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchilden. Adored by countless niece and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband Wilfred, her son Jimmy, her daughter Bonnie, her daughter in law Judy, and her granddaughter Jennifer. Marilyn was a proud stay at home Mom until 1978, when she accepted a position working for the Detroit Red Wings in the public relations department. She credits her friend Ruth (Hoffman) for giving her such an amazing opportunity. She was loved by the entire team, the coaching staff and every single person behind the scenes. Playing golf was a passion of hers. In fact, it was at an outing at Forest Country Club that she met the love of her life, proving some things are truly meant to be. She played many a round with her grandsons at Greenwood Golf Course where she and Wilf were longtime members. She and Wilf were avid travelers, enjoying excursions to places like Jamaica, and several cities within the US. Marilyn’s hobbies also included bowling and playing cards with her cherished friends. But her most precious times were spent with her family, singing, laughing, and dancing (with her famous “duck lips”), lighting up the room with her smile while enjoying a glass of Pino Grigio or a Manhattan. The gatherings wouldn’t be the same without her famous appetizers (sometimes testing them out on us), her cheesy vegetable side dishes and of course her cornflake ice cream dessert! Her knack for gardening was unmatched. She loved tending to her flowers, and was partial to geraniums, most contained in garden boxes built by Wilf. Her most prized perennial was a beautiful flowering tree grown from a cutting given to her by her late brother-in-law Howard. She and Wilf loved to gaze at their beautiful yard from their sunroom off the back of their Sarnia home. Marilyn was so fashionable! Every outfit matching to a tee, earrings and a bracelet to complement her ensemble. Her nails always polished a shade of pink, her hair cut short, almost a pixie. She would howl with laughter telling a story of a time she wore her comfy casual summery “dress” to help set up for a ladies get-together. From across the room, she heard “Awww look! Marilyn is still wearing her nightgown!!” From that point on, that particular dress was donned her “moo-moo” never to be worn in public again! Marilyn was loved by all who had the pleasure of meeting her. She lived a wonderful full life and will be deeply missed. Her legacy will live on in all who know and love her. A private Celebration of Life will follow on a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.