Obituary of Marilyn Frances Jennings

Marilyn Frances Loughery Jennings was born June 12, 1944 in Saint John, New Brunswick to Douglas and Mary Loughery. She passed away, surrounded by her family, January 13, 2025 at the age of 80, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Marilyn graduated from Saint Vincent’s High School in Saint John. Upon graduation, she went on to work at Mutual Life until May 27, 1967, when she married the love of her life, David W. Jennings. After living in Antigonish, NS for three years, they relocated to Fredericton where their fairytale continued for 57 years. She was a loving and devoted mother to her three children and was blessed with being able to stay home with them for much of their childhood. When her children were older, Marilyn returned to the workforce at the Towne Shoppe and then managed Act I before moving onto NB Power in Records Management. She was also involved in Transition House and was briefly part of the Catholic Women’s League.

Marilyn was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her world revolved around her family and her friends, many of whom she considered her extended family. To say Marilyn and David were the perfect couple would be an understatement. Their love and mutual adoration of one another was evident to anyone fortunate enough to be around them. They were the epitome of “love and laughter”. Together they enjoyed playing in various bridge groups around Fredericton. In these groups, they formed friendships that lasted for decades. They also loved to attend dinners and parties of any kind and were known for being welcoming and gracious hosts in their own home. Marilyn loved to travel with David, making unforgettable memories with dear friends. When they weren’t traveling with friends, they were following their grandchildren around to their various sport and life events. Nothing gave Marilyn more pleasure than her grandchildren and she thoroughly enjoyed watching her family grow. There was no greater “Nannie” in the world, and to say she was adored and loved by her grandchildren would be an understatement. Marilyn had a knack for making each grandchild feel like they were her favorite. She loved watching and encouraging them in sports, school, and their personal lives. All of her grandchildren loved her cooking with each one having their favorite “Nannie” dish, and she always took time to make it.  For every event, Marilyn needed a new outfit and one of her favorite hobbies was shopping for a great deal. Nannie’s only flaw was her love of the Toronto Blue Jays of which she rarely missed a game.

Marilyn’s leaving has broken many hearts, none more so than that of her devoted husband, David. He is known for saying “She is the best decision I ever made in my life”. Marilyn agreed. She also leaves to cherish her memory, her three children: Kathy Jennings of Fredericton, Beth (John) Boone of Maine, and Michael (Stacey) Jennings of Fredericton. As well as her six grandchildren; Michael (Emma), Meg (Grant), Ben, Grace, Jack, and Clair, and great-grandson, Henry. A part of her heart will always be with her “sister”, Jane Crosby, who was at her side throughout her entire life. Marilyn is also survived by sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Marilyn was a source of strength and inspiration to her family and friends, always putting others first. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice Fredericton, IWK, or the SPCA in Marilyn’s memory.

A visitation will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home on Sunday, January 19^th 2025, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church, Hanwell Road, on Monday, January 20^th at 12:00 pm with Fr John Jennings and Fr Bill Brennan as celebrants with a reception to follow in the church hall.