Obituary of Marilyn Joan Mercer

February 1, 1937 – Toronto, Ontario

May 16, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Marilyn Joan Mercer (nee Hester), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the age of 87 years.

Marilyn has gone to dance and sing in the streets of Heaven. Born on February 1, 1937, in Etobicoke, Toronto, ON, her childhood was spent in the areas around Toronto, save for a short time living in Saskatchewan during World War II. It was in Toronto she first met Hank, on a blind date, before the two were married in the city on June 1, 1957.

Marilyn spent a few years working in banks before she and Hank took over The Dairy Dip, serving ice cream and smiles to the people of Fergus, ON. In 1983, they became grandparents for the first time, and soon after they sold the shop, heading west and choosing Calgary as their forever home. Marilyn and Hank were, like their favourite song, “Side by Side,” as partners in life and business as the comedic clown duo, Moonbeam and Sunbeam. 
 

Marilyn always loved meeting new people and developing lifelong friendships wherever she went. She enjoyed sharing her passion for music, movies, and musicals with others. Anyone who spent time with her was likely to become the audience for an impromptu song, often acapella. She was prone to strike up a duet with a busker, at which point, it was really Nanny’s show. She wore colourful clothes, socks, and hats whenever she could; Marilyn was a character, and she felt one should be dressed for the part.

Her deepest love was for her family. As Nanny to eight and Grey Nanny to twelve, she was always there to cheer on, celebrate, and let everyone know that she loved them just the way they were. Visitors to the Mercer family home were sure to see every inch of the walls covered in the photos of those people she loved and the places she had seen on her many travels. There were hundreds of memories on display, each one with a lovely story attached. 
 

Marilyn was also a dedicated volunteer in her community, helping to rebuild homes in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, serving as a “grandma” to the kids at Pineridge School, providing a regular set of extra hands at the Mustard Seed, and aiding the Calgary’s arts scene through her time as an usher at Theatre Calgary and Vertigo Theatre.  

Marilyn is survived by her sister, Patricia Ball, three children, Lori (David), David (Linda), and Dawn (Peter); her grandchildren, Jarrod (Crystal), Caitlin (Rob), Brandon (Mandy), Troy (Lynette), Hayley (Jessica), Lindsay (Adam), Sandra (Stephen), and Jeffrey (Shirling); and her great-grandchildren, Heidi, George, Greg, Jackson, Owen, Wyatt, Brijit, Rorie, Maxwell, Stevie, Lewyn, and Scottie.

She was predeceased by her husband, Hank, her brother, Barry Hester, and her son-in-law, Paul Noble.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. A Private Graveside Service to follow for close family and friends. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Those attending are asked to wear bright colours; Marilyn would have had it no other way.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Mercer’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB  T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Marilyn’s family here.

In living memory of Marilyn Mercer, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.

Click Here to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Marilyn's Funeral Service