July 10, 1937 – January 5, 2025
Marilyn Maclagan (née Horne) passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, at Mariposa House Hospice after a courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with bladder cancer. She was 87 years old.
Marilyn was the cherished wife of Evan Scott Maclagan for over 67 years, and the beloved mother of John (Elaine) and Steven (Maral), devoted grandmother to Laura (Darren), Elizabeth, Chloe, and Natalie, and loving great-grandmother to Charlotte. She was predeceased by her parents, Percy Bell Horne and Lila Horne, and youngest sister Kathy Stickland (Norm). She is also survived by her sisters Marion (Jim) Todd, and Elizabeth (Bill) Rayfield.
A prodigious musical talent, Marilyn was the most advanced pianist of her generation in Orillia. Under the guidance of her father and Boris Berlin at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, she achieved her Associate Diploma Royal Conservatory Performance (ARCT) at the remarkable age of eleven. Marilyn shared her gift of music with countless students across Canada as a dedicated piano teacher. She also brought joy to many as an accompanist to choirs and soloists, her artistry touching lives wherever she went.
Over the years, she and her husband, Scott, lived in numerous communities, including North Bay, Parent (Quebec), Sudbury, Falconbridge, Toronto, Ottawa, Scarborough, Coquitlam, Port Moody (BC), Unionville, Markham, Barrie, and finally back to her beloved Orillia. Together, they traveled extensively across North America and Europe, creating a wealth of cherished memories.
Marilyn’s kindness, resilience, and grace were as inspiring as her musical talent. Her legacy of love, strength, and dedication to family will forever be remembered.
In accordance with Marilyn’s wishes, there will not be a public funeral. A private family gathering for her burial at Knox Cemetery will take place in the spring. Donations in Marilyn’s memory may be made to Mariposa House Hospice, a registered charitable organization that provided compassionate care in her final days. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Mariposa House Hospice for their dedicated care and attention to Marilyn, ensuring her comfort and dignity.
May Marilyn rest in peace, her life a testament to the beauty of music, family, and enduring strength.
Condolence messages can be left for the family at www.peacefultransition.ca