Marilyn Burns April 13, 1937 - September 6, 2024

Marilyn Burns died at the Dryden Regional Health Center on September 6, 2024 with her family by her side following declining health over the last several months. Marilyn was born on April 13, 1937 to Viola Cameron Hutt and Carl Hutt in Kirkland Lake, Ontario.

Mellie was involved in many activities during her early school years when her family moved to many Ontario communities.  She was always active in school sports.  She served as Athletic Association President and was awarded Athlete of the Year in her high school years.  Mellie went on to study at University College at the University of Toronto where she completed her Bachelor of Physical Education and Teacher’s Certification while playing on the U of T women’s basketball team.  Most importantly this is where, on a blind date, she met the love of her life, Peter Burns.  Together Mellie and Peter set out from Toronto for Dryden. She taught science and physical education at the Dryden High School until she and Peter started their family.

Shortly after arriving in Dryden, Mellie convinced Peter that they should build a cottage on Thunder Lake where they could host their family members.  “Camp” became synonymous with hospitality, love and great fun.  She absolutely adored having family visit in the summers, to enjoy the lake and a gin and tonic on the deck.  She could be found on the dock teaching swimming lessons or helping someone learn to waterski for the first time.

Mellie was active in her community and region serving on many non-profit boards and bringing her perspective and leadership to each organization. She served on municipal council and the Board of Directors for Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology.  She coached gymnastics and taught yoga and she could often be found organizing successful political campaigns for candidates in the region.  She was a deeply talented musician, self-taught, who played the piano only by ear. If you could sing a melody, Mellie could play the song.  She was central to any party, and if you were good with lyrics and could carry a tune, you were required to share the piano bench with her.

In the early 1970s on a trip to Lutsen, Minnesota, Mellie took a ski lesson and started a family legacy that would span over 50 years. She loved nothing more than to be in the mountains and sunshine with her family on a ski trip, though she would often comment about the abundance of “thin air and stairs” at the many ski resorts they visited.  Later when Mellie no longer skied, she would pack her large soup pot and spices in her suitcase and she would joyfully cook for her gang. After a day on the slopes her kids/grandkids and friends would return for “après” with Mellie complete with music, refreshments and much laughter with the retelling of the moments of the day on the mountain.

Mellie was so very proud of her children and her grandchildren.  She was a teacher, a fierce advocate and a reliable source of shenanigans.  She loved to have a good laugh which generally involved an element of shock or surprise masterfully blended with universal hilarity. Her friends and family members will remember her for this too.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband Peter Burns, her parents, her sister Bonnie Horton, brother-in-law Ted Horton, and nephew John Adamson.  Her greatest joy was being devoted to her husband of 61 years Peter, being mom to Bonny (Blair), Brian (Denise) and Michael (Laura) and being “Jeune-Jeune” or “JJ” to her beloved grandchildren, Jayme and Cameron Skene, Julia and Owen Burns, and Eric, Adam and Mathew Burns.  Marilyn is survived by her sisters Wendy (Spencer) Bell and Valerie (Ian) Adamson, her brother Sandford (Mary) Hutt and many deeply loved nieces and nephews.

Her friends and family are invited to share happy memories and celebrate Marilyn’s life in the way she would want to be remembered— with love and music (preferably jazz) and a bit of humour for good measure.  Please join the family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 14^th at 1:00pm at the Dryden Community Funeral Home.

Marilyn’s family would like to express their gratitude to the home care support staff who made it possible for Marilyn to remain in her home, and the staff at the Dryden Regional Health Center during her end-of-life journey.