Obituary of Marilyn Overholt

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our cherished mother, Marilyn Overholt (nee Reid) on April 5, 2023, at the Welland Hospital in her 91st year. She has now been reunited with her husband of 47 years, the late James Overholt (2001). Loving mother to Jaye (Brian) Stief, Tracy (Gabe) Coccagna, Kevin (Martha) Overholt and Kent Overholt. Proud grandmother to Kyle, Jaime, Matt, Brad, Anthony, Tara, Steven, Phillip, Terry and Kristen and great-grandmother to Mason, Charlotte, Lucy and Cohen. Predeceased by her parents Gwen (Goodbarne) Reid (1991) and Leam Reid (2001). Survived by sister Marjorie Doddridge and sisters-in-law Jean Culig and Ann Koabel.

Marilyn was born in Fonthill, ON, on August 16, 1932, and after her marriage to Jim in 1954, they moved to London, ON where all their children were born. The family moved to Pennsylvania in 1965 for 1-1/2 years for Jim’s work, before returning to Canada and settling in Wainfleet on the Overholt homestead, where they built a home with the help of Marilyn’s father and stayed for the following 31 years until Jim’s health deteriorated. Marilyn joined the workforce after her children all started school. She was Secretary for St. Elizabeth School (1970-1989), and subsequently St. Elizabeth Parish (1989-1997). Marilyn volunteered for many years for the Catholic Women’s League, was instrumental in fundraising via church dances, and canvassed for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society for many years. Marilyn will be remembered for her selfless devotion to her family, her kind and generous spirit, her commitment to giving back to her community, her warm presence and big heart. She leaves behind a lasting legacy that her family will cherish forever.

We send a special thank you to the tireless caregivers at Seasons, St. Charles Village and Royal Rose Place who helped so much during her final years.

The family will welcome family and friends to Lookout Point Country Club, 209 Tice Road, Fonthill, ON, on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, for a brief visitation starting at 11:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 PM, after which a reception will take place. Cremation has occurred and a private family interment will take place at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted with Essentials Cremation and Burial Services (905-734-1031). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation or Alzheimer Society of Canada.