Marlyn Lois was born in Eganville, Ontario on Thursday, September 16, 1937, to parents Verner and Viola (Wolff) Bimm. She joined older brother Alvin (1932) and the Bimm family was later made complete with the arrival of Mervyn (1942). The Bimm family lived and attended school in Eganville, with Marlyn completing her Grade 13 in London while boarding with an aunt. Unfortunately, Marlyn was unable to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher and soon returned to her family home in Pembroke.
She soon began working at the movie theatre in Eganville and later moved on to work in the office at Atomic Energy in Chalk River. It was during this time that Marlyn was introduced to a charming young member of the armed forces by the name of Godfrey “Buddy” Thomas MacAulay. Buddy was stationed in Petawawa at the time, and it was love at first sight. The young couple were wed on Friday, October 31, 1958, in Pembroke and soon settled on the base in Petawawa.
The MacAulay family began to grow with the arrival of Barry (1959) and was later followed by twin brothers, Terry and Trent (1962), Trevor (1967), and Derek (1972). To say Marlyn had her hands full would be an understatement… her responsibilities within the family home were endless. In addition to caring for her young family, there were constant meal preparations and household chores, leaving little time for herself. In true motherly fashion, Marlyn always put the needs of her boys and husband first. In 1968, the MacAulay’s relocated to Sudbury where they remained until 1975 whereby work opportunities brought them to Bruce County and they settled on the 10th of Elderslie.
The boys finished high school in Chesley and Walkerton, and they soon began leaving the nest… but they kept coming back especially for Marlyn’s home cooking. Some of the boy’s favourites included Marlyn’s bacon sandwiches, spanish rice, goulash, and her chili recipe. Likewise, no Sunday was complete without a roast for dinner and all the fixings. She definitely was talented in the kitchen. In her limited free time, Marlyn enjoyed gardening and keeping her garden ornaments in pristine condition. She also had a passion for reading. She enjoyed autobiographies, a variety of magazines, and any of Debbie Macomber’s novels. When not reading, Marlyn could often be found enjoying her favourite television programming. She never missed an episode of the Young & the Restless, was an avid Royal watcher, and thoroughly enjoyed watching any award show and figure skating on TV. Following the Olympics was another favourite pastime and yet sadly, she never witnessed the current games. When it came to treating herself, Marlyn’s go-to was tea with milk and a cookie. She also had a soft spot for dark chocolate or any type of sweets! 🙂
Marlyn was a kind, loving, and generous woman, who was the true matriarch of her family. She always held everything together. She reinforced in her sons the qualities of honesty, respect and taught them the importance of manners and humbleness. Likewise, she instilled in them that money was not everything and that one can lead a productive, successful life without it. Marlyn was truly a special lady!
In retirement, Buddy and Marlyn enjoyed more quality time together and could often be found at the horse races in Hanover on Saturday nights. In the summer months, countless hours were spent relaxing in lawn chairs in the yard, while soaking in the sun and listening to the likes of Natalie MacMaster on the fiddle or any east coast favourites. Sadly, their time together was cut short when Buddy passed away in 2014. Although a huge setback, with the support of family and friends, Marlyn soon made the move to Owen Sound to be closer to family and settled in nicely. Here she delighted in the opportunity to see family almost daily and came to enjoy the luxury life of living in town offered. Sadly, Marlyn passed away after a brief illness at Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound on Monday, February 7, 2022, in her 85th year.
Cherished mother of Barry (Terri), Trevor (Penny), Derek (Ann), all of Owen Sound, Terry, and Trent, both of London. Marlyn will be dearly missed by her seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren as well as her brother Mervyn Bimm of Pembroke. She was predeceased by her husband Buddy MacAulay (2014), brother Alvin Bimm, and her parents, Verner and Viola (Wolff) Bimm.
Private family services will be held. If desired, memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation and Diabetes Canada would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Sending our heartfelt condolences.Your are in our thoughts and prayers!I am Sadie’s daughter she was your dads sister!God bless!
Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Our thoughts are with you all at this time.
Dear Barry, Terry, Trent, Trevor, Derek and families,
I was so very sad to learn of Marlyn’s passing when Barry called. I will forever cherish the special friendship your Mom and I shared for over 60 years. Although the miles had separated us, we stayed in each other’s lives with numerous cards, letters and phone calls. I will keep all of you in my prayers and your Mom in my heart always.
Love Eileen Cameron and family
A mother’s love is precious! May your memories bring you comfort. My deepest condolences to all the family.
Trevor, Penny and family
Marilyn was indeed a very special person.
I feel that I was very privileged to have met Marilyn,
while caring for her beloved husband Bud.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Barb (Patterson) Sinclair
Our deepest condolences to the MacAulay family on the passing of Marlyn. We are shocked and saddened by her sudden passing. While we were posted to CFB Borden, Ont. Danita and I would make several trips a year over to Dobbinton to visit Buddy and Marlyn. Buddy grew up in the same little rural community as myself, Kenloch, Cape Breton Island,N.S. and knew my family well. Buddy would be so excited when we reminisced about growing up in Kenloch and Marlyn and Danita would be chatting about gardening . We always enjoyed our visits and Marlyn would always make us a great cup of tea. On one visit Marlyn gave Danita a cup and saucer from her collection as a keep sake. Danita still cherishes that cup and saucer today. It just shows Marlyn’s pure kindness. We missed our little visits with Marlyn and Buddy as Danita was posted to CFB Halifax in 2009..a homer coming of sorts for us, as Danita is also from Cape Breton (Inverness). We always kept in touch with letters and Christmas cards.
Again our deepest sympathy to the family.
Sincere condolences to your family from the Mannerow family. Cherish the memories.
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with all of you !
My deepest and sincere condolences to you Barry, Terri and your whole family. My prayers are with you all at this time 💜💖💜 may your memories flood you all with cherished happy thoughts!
Barry and Terri and family – our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. It’s so hard losing a wonderful Mother. Cherish your memories, Hugs ♥️
Deepest sympathy to all………
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s sudden passing. She was such a sweet lady. Always enjoyed my visits with her at Trevor and Penny’s. My Deepest Sympathy to you boys and spouses and families. Praying for you at this difficult time. Take Care. ❤️ Julia McGregor
Our condolences to the entire Macaulay family. So sorry for your loss..
Barry, Trevor, Terry. Trent and Derek. We are thinking of your family and remembering all the good times you had with our boys. You were great neighbours. Your Mom was the most cheerful person that we knew. You will miss her.
Sorry to hear of your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the MacAulay family at this time She was a great mom and a wonderful lady.She will be greatly missed.
Our condolences to all of the family.
Thinking of you, Derek at this time
Our condolences go out to the Mac Aulay family at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Carol and Jack Patterson
Deepest condolences from the Nickel Family.
Your Mom always had a smile on her face and a contagious laugh.
Lots of wonderful memories.
Wishing to extend my sympathy to all the family . I met your mom when I worked with Derek at ByWay she was a wonderful person and often stopped in at Stokes to see me. you will have lots of good memories. Derek I know you will really miss her.
My sympathy to you.
Marlyn MacAulay
Barry, Trent, Terry, Trevor & Derek and families,
How sad I am to see this…she was a beautiful feisty lady and I loved her a long time ago.
I’m sure she is dancing up a storm with Buddy, Silver Threads and Golden Needles, turned up high!! Those were my favourite memories of her, that and her smile, and how she welcomed me into her home.
She will be dearly missed by you and all who had the pleasure of her company…
Sending my deepest and heartfelt sympathies to all of you.
I wish you all the Peace that comes with knowing she will be forever in your hearts and many happy memories.
Thinking of you, Pam
So sorry to hear about your mom – a wonderful lady. I’ll always remember how welcoming she was when coming to the farm house, even if it was three in the morning!
We were so sorry to hear about this. A lovely, lovely lady. Hugs to the whole family. She will be with Bud now.
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom . She was a beautiful person and always took the time to
stop and chat anywhere you met her .
She will be dearly missed
You will miss her deeply. She was such a sweet lady. Our sincere condolences. Love and hugs to all.
So sorry.Marlyn was the salt of the earth.
We are truly sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Our thoughts are with all of you.