Born September 13, 1953, Marilyn passed peacefully at her residence in Grand Bend, with family, Russ, the love of her life, and dear friends at her side, on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, following a courageous battle with cancer. Beloved companion of Russ Campeau of Windsor. Dear sister of Paul, Cheryl, Barbara, Lisa (Dr. Geoff Anderson) and survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents the late Arthur and Barbara (Hems) Priest.
She will be missed by lifelong friends whom she supported and was supported by, throughout her years growing up in Windsor and during her many years in Grand Bend after her love of nature and water prompted her to move there, when the opportunity presented itself. Marilyn was respected and admired by her loyal clients at Accents Hair & Gift Studio for 23 years and appreciated by the Grand Bend Community for her commitment in supporting local business, charitable and cultural events. Her vibrant personality, positive attitude and genuine kindness always made a significant contribution. She was also an avid member of the Runners Club and enjoyed marathons. Marilyn will be fondly remembered by Russ’s extended family.
Cremation has taken place. Private family arrangements.
Donations to Dying with Dignity, or St. Joseph’s Hospice, Sarnia -Lambton would be appreciated by the family.
Haskett Funeral Home, EXETER (519-235-1220) entrusted with arrangements.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Suzanne Toner
I was introduced to Marilyn and Susan almost 16 years ago after I moved to Grand Bend! She was my favourite hairdresser and always a great cheery and happy person that made my day. My sincere condolences to Russ, her family and Susan. You shall always be remembered.
Diane Littlejohns
Today, February 25, I just learned of Marilyn’s passing. Susan, Marilyn, and I had many many wonderful times together over the years I lived in Grand Bend just a few doors down from them. A beautiful bright Light has now been added to the stars of the night. To Susan who was Marilyn’s “sister”, my heart goes out to you, my friend.
Heaven’s Blessings to all her Family.
Diane Littlejohns
Carol Pileski
Marilyn, was all things to all people, a spirited kindred soul to many, a traveller always seeking the sun & some relaxation with Russ, and someone who seemed to instantly connect with new people in her life. I met Marilyn 10 years ago with her close friend Susan, after moving into Oakwood Links. They were both charming, funny, caring and kind, and she was a very experienced stylist. It’s never easy to fit into a small community when you come from away, she seemed to conquer these situations seamlessly, and relate to everyone who stepped inside her salon. Bravo to a life well lived, we all were hoping to see her a lot longer, but her energy and spirit is the one gift of joy she left to us. Peace to her Family and Friends
Carol & Richard Pileski
Ann Robertson
My deepest condolences to Marilyn’s partner Russ (The Love of her Life) , her Family and Friends and in particular Susan Jones. Marilyn was a delightful lady, and certainly fought her illness with grace and dignity! She will be so missed by so many, including me. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time!
Amanda Cook
I am saddened to hear of Marilyn’s passing. Although we only knew each other a short time, she was a ray of sunshine and had a heart of gold. There are some people who make a lasting impression in a short period of time – Marilyn was one of these special people.
My thoughts and prayers are with Marilyn’s family and friends.
Ruthanne Boogemans
Thinking of Marilyn family and friends
Was very sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing I thought she was a wonderful person so full of fun .
Marilyn told me how happy she was with Russ and I remember seeing the two of them dancing at
Aunt Gussie Our Thoughts are with You
Ruthanne
Marcy Walker
Marcy Walker
Marilyn was so good at what she did in the hair dressing business, and also was very helpful to me when I had Cancer twice. She was always there to speak to me and made me feel much better.
She was so wonderful at hairdressing , and being just a wonderful person and certainly new how to make people feel better. I will miss you a lot as will all the rest of your dear friends Marilyn. Russ I wish you the best and so sorry that the love of your life has passed. She was a great person and loved you dearly. Sincerely Marcy
Shirley Zupancic
So sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. She was my wonderful,loving,kind pretty hairdresser for years . I am loss for words.She will be missed by many.Peace and love to her family. God Bless.
Liz Walper
My deepest sympathy to Russ, and Marilyn’s family and friends. I met Marilyn 19 years ago when I was in need of a hairdresser. Immediately I knew I wouldn’t be going to anyone else. I will always remember her love for life , her laugh, her positive attitude and her style. I’m really going to miss her.
Irene Filek 519-203-1678
Irene, James and Chris Filek,
Marilyn had many beautiful characteristics which she preferred to demonstrate through her actions, not so much through her words. Ten days before she was diagnosed she came to my son’s wedding looking beautiful, dancing and enjoying life. I will forever think of this image when I remember her.
Lynda and Soren
Marilyn brought such joy and happiness to all around her.
She was so courageous through this awful cancer and so glad to have Russ by her side, together with Leo the cat
Pat Morden
When I first moved to GB, Accents was where I got to know the community. Marilyn and Susan were so warm and welcoming, there was always a lively convo, and of course the latest gossip. Marilyn had a remarkable generosity of spirit, a way of accepting everyone as they were. I will miss her.
Fred Shaw
Hello Paul, Cheryl, Barbara and Lisa,
I’m sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. Very sorry for your loss.
Michael Ryan
So sad to learn this, she was a fine person who I had the opportunity to work with years ago. My dearest condolences to the family.
Anne Tew
Russ, friends, and family-
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of our dear Marilyn….she touched our lives as few others did.
Something I cut out of the paper, by an unknown author, said” When you speak of her, speak not with tears, for thoughts of her should not be sad. Let memories of the times you shared give you comfort, for her life was rich because of you.”
Sail on, butterfly-
Love, Anne
Rose Mills
You where a beautiful person inside and out .God be with you .Rest in pease
Lynn Ferwerda
Marilyn was such a beautiful and charming lady. Had some great times with her and our family. Always a gorgeous smile and friendly conversation. Condolences to all Marilyn’s family and loved ones.
No more pain . RIP Marilyn. Hugs
Sandra Ford
Marilyn I will miss you . We go back a long time . You did my hair and made me look beautiful every week for 23 years. You where always a good listener at the shop and a wonderful inspiration. You where at so many of our family functions and where like a younger sister to me . Rest in peace. Sandra and Irv would like to wish Russ and all of Marilyn ‘s family our deepest condolencess. Love forever
John and Jutta OFlaherty
So sad to hear of the passing of Marilyn
Sincere condolences to family and friends
John and Jutta
Paula LaPorte
To Marilyn’s family
My deepest sympathy..Marilyn was a very special lady……As someone said…it didn’t matter when you had last seen her…she always remembered to ask about children /grandchildren…….And she had a great smile! She will be missed by many.
John & Wendy Sim
Marilyn will be sincerely missed by our family. She treated our daughters like nieces, whenever they visited their Aunt Susie. The world will miss your sparkle, smile & vitality but your memories will live on within us all. Our sympathies to Russ, her family & many friends.
Susan Jones -Hughson
Marilyn was an “artiste” in the medium of hair.She possessed a unique sense of style , that included costumes for parties. Marilyn was full of life,enthusiasm, spirit & determination.Her kind inviting nature and beautiful smile was a magnet. Marilyn’s happiness multiplied with her wonderful, loving partner Russ by her side.
We shared a unique & special bond of sisterhood. Marilyn was a very special part of our family.
She handled her situation with unbelievable grace &dignity.
Marilyn ran like the wind and danced as if there was no tomorrow.I hope heaven is ready for the “whirlwind with wings.”
Larry
A beautiful smile has left us. Goodbye angel
Marian Desjardine
Sincere condolences to Marilyn’s family. She was my loyal hairdresser for many years. My thoughts go out to Susan.
Avia & Dennis
No words can express the emptiness felt when you lose a dear longtime friend. Vivacious, happy, energetic, humorous, beautiful, loyal are just a few of the words that describe Marilyn. You fought with grace and now your spirit will bless the heavens. Fly high beautiful angel! We were blessed to have had you in our lives. Deepest condolences to Russ and all Marilyn’s many friends and family.
Susan Horton
Our sincere condolences to Marilyn’s loved ones. One of the finest you were!
Paul and Susan Horton, and June Dunn.
Dr. Jason Bourne
Priest Family,
So sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. I remember what a lovely person she was. My sincere condolences to the family.
Carmen & David Jones
Dear friends and family of the one & only Marilyn!!
I was introduced to this force of nature 20 years ago. I needed a haircut and a lady from a local clothing store called Marilyn up right away and booked me an appointment. Eventually, my daughter, mother and sister called her ‘our stylist. No matter if it was 3 months or 3 years, Marilyn remembered what was up in my life. She easily, skillfully and professionally processed 2-3 clients at a time, trying to fit in everyone who clamored for her excellent service. All while being cheerful, funny, efficient & so darn thin!
She packed a lot into a short 65+ years.
I will miss her very much.
Carmen Jones
Janis Box
Chuck and I enjoyed getting together with Marilyn and Russ during the last few months. Of course, we had to be careful because of Covid which limited Marilyn in her ability to travel or see friends.
What I can say for certain is that Marilyn handled her circumstances with dignity and integrity and earned our deep respect.
We are thinking of you.
Janis and Chuck
Brenda Jansen
Marilyn was such a happy, friendly and caring person. She will be greatly missed.
My condolences to Marilyn’s Family, to Russ her loving partner , and to all her friends, especially to Susan Jones, her close friend.
Heartfelt Sympathy & God’s Love
Susan Mills
On behalf of the Grand Bend & Area Chamber of Commerce, its directors, staff and members, we extend our sincerest condolences to Marilyn’s family and friends and her long time business partner Susan Jones. Marilyn was a long time supporter of the Chamber and its efforts to support local businesses. Her bright, cheery personality will be missed. She was a great ambassador for the community and made sure everyone was up-to-date on the latest and upcoming events. A petite lady in size, she had the heart of a lion!