Obituary of Marilyn Avery

Marilyn Avery

October 9, 1936 – February 20, 2026

Corner Brook, NL

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of our beloved mother, Marilyn Avery, at the Corner Brook Long Term Care. A daughter, a sister, a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother — affectionately known as "Gi Gi" — Marilyn touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Marilyn is survived by her children Denice Russell (Paul), Bram (Heather), Bill (Heather), and Derrick; her grandchildren Melanie Avery, Jonathan Russell, Stephanie Burt (Keith), Jessica Avery, Bradley Avery, Meagan Musseau, Gregory Musseau, Willow Avery, and Autumn Avery; her two beautiful great-granddaughters, Samantha Avery O'Quinn and Khloe Burt; her brother David Crocker (Sheila) and sister-in-law Brenda Halfyard (Stan); as well as a large circle of beloved nieces and nephews, and a wonderful community of friends who will all hold her dearly in their hearts.

Marilyn was predeceased by the love of her life, Ellis Bramwell; her parents, Andrew Crocker and Laura (Watts); her in-laws, Elias Avery and Edith (Churchill); her siblings Ingram Crocker (Emma), Jacob Crocker (Theresa), Leonard Crocker (Margaret), Aubrey Crocker, and Vernetta McKenna; her brothers-in-law Ross Avery (Dorothy) and Austin Avery (Marie); her sisters-in-law Geneva Loucks (Wally), Daphne Simpson (Bill), Audrey Cameron (Jimmy), and Meritta Russell (Isaac); and Len Drodge (Kitty).

Born in Trout River, Newfoundland, Marilyn relocated to Corner Brook with her family at just six months of age — the place she would always call home. From a young age, she found great joy in attending church with her mother Laura, developing a lifelong passion for singing praises to God.

Marilyn was a long-standing and dedicated member of the Girl Guides of Canada, serving in many capacities over the years. Among her most treasured memories was being chosen, at the age of 15, to represent Newfoundland at Queen Elizabeth's Coronation — an honour she spoke of with great pride and joy for the rest of her life. That remarkable story took on new life in May 2019, when Marilyn, as a member of the Alzheimer's Daycare Centre in Brampton, Ontario, participated in a music program where young musicians crafted songs inspired by the stories of patients. Her story — of her life with her mother and her unforgettable trip to England for the Queen's Coronation — was woven into a song all her own, even with a little rock and roll flair.

Hockey was also a beloved part of family life. With two sons who shared a passion for the game, Marilyn proudly became a member of the Minor Hockey Moms, cheering from the stands with all her heart.

Following the passing of her dear husband Ellis, Marilyn embarked on a profound and deeply meaningful journey of faith, becoming a Lay Pastoral Minister of the United Church of Canada. Her ministry took her across Newfoundland — eight years in Burgeo and Grand Bruit, eight years in the Baie Verte and LaScie area, four years in Green Bay South, one year in Stephenville, and then home to Oakland United Church in Corner Brook. She concluded her ministry in pastoral care, serving at the hospital and senior homes — a fitting and graceful close to a life devoted to caring for others.

The family would like to express their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Elderberry Way for the love and devotion they showed to their Momma Marilyn. A special thank you to Shannon Brake, her cherished companion, and to Jeremy Wheeler for his extraordinary patience and kindness during mealtimes.

Marilyn's faith, her warmth, her songs, and her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who loved her.

Friends and family may visit Fillatre’s Funeral Home, 4 St. Marks Avenue on Sunday, February 22^nd from 2-4 and 7-9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 23^rd at 10: AM from Fillatre’s Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Jocelyn Cook officiating. The interment will follow at Mt. Patricia Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Society.