Obituary of Marylyn Ruth Carthew

Marylyn Ruth Carthew (Stewart, nee Lumley)

February 12, 1933 – February 29, 2024

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family members  into the arms of the Lord having just celebrated her 91^st birthday. 

Marylyn will be lovingly remembered by her four children and two sons-in-law; Donna (Phil) Davidson, Karen Martin, Ron Stewart, Joanne (John) McKee.  A proud grandmother to her grandchildren Erin, Jake, Julie, Katey; Vanessa, Jeff, Ryan, Scott; Steven, Alisen; Jonathan, Joshua, and Jason.  She will also be fondly remembered by her grandchildren’s partners; eleven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Marylyn is predeceased by her parents, Glynn and Maxine Lumley and her sister and brother-in-law, Betty Ann and Ed Laura, all from Michigan.

Marylyn was a proud American having been born and raised in Michigan but always loved Canada and dreamed of living in Beamsville near her grandparent’s Clifford and Bertie Lumley.  During one of many visits, Marylyn met her first husband John Douglas Stewart and at the age of 19 moved to Beamsville to be married.  In her early thirties she became a single parent but several years later married her second husband, Melville (Pete) Carthew.   Pete and Marylyn moved to St. Catharines (her favourite “big little city”) in the early 80s to live near her grown children.  After Pete’s sudden passing in 1990 she moved into a condo and established many new friends including her good friend, Eldred who shared an interest in bowling, faith, lunches and many great conversations until his passing in 2021.

Marylyn was a gifted person with a high intellect (graduated high school at  16) and was an avid reader with amazing command of English and Latin.   She was a full-time homemaker but also held several administrative, secretarial and  receptionist positions with the favourite jobs involving those where she interacted with customers.  In her later years she volunteered at the Jordan Heritage Gift Shop where she loved to chat with the tourists. 

Marylyn had many interests including her pets, gardening, history, stamp collecting, euchre and bowling.  Marylyn was known to be a great conversationalist with a sense of humour and quick wit and was always keeping up to date on her family and was interested in getting to know others, particularly their families.

In 2014, Marylyn moved into a private room at Tabor Manor after surviving a major health event and being stricken with mobility issues.  Over the years she enjoyed  participating in almost all the daily activities.  The family will be forever grateful for the loving and compassionate care Marylyn received from the nurses, PSW’s, her hairdresser Kathy and all the many staff at Tabor Manor.

Marylyn put her love of her family and trust in God at the centre of all decisions and things that mattered throughout her life.  Even with the deterioration of her physical body and eyesight with age-related macular degeneration, her mind remained sharp and her soul was full of kindness and thoughtfulness to others with her gratitude for visits and conversation.  Marylyn was a member of the Church of Christ her entire life and a faithful servant to God who will be loved, treasured and always remembered for a life well lived.

Cremation has taken place.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Tallman Funeral Homes Limited in Vineland, Ontario.  A service will take place at the Church of Christ, St. Catharines, 439 Ontario St., on Saturday, March 9, 2024.  Visitation will begin at 11:30 am; service at 12:30 pm with visitation and reception to follow.

If desired, the family would appreciate donations to Radiant Care Tabor Manor Long-Term Care Home, Church of Christ or a charity of your choice.