Obituary of Marie Whittington

J. Marie Whittington

July 3, 1927 - March 2, 2025

Surrounded by her adoring family and after a life lived fully for 97 years, our beloved mother, Marie Whittington, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025.  She is now reunited with John (2023), her adored husband of 74 years - she has missed him so.  Her departure leaves an indescribable void in the hearts of her children: Tom (2017) & Lynn, Deb & Carl, Pat, Fay (2024) & Ron, John (2014) & Terry, Diane & Adam, and Robert. She was a cherished grandmother to Lee Ann, Terri, Carl & Missy, Lisa & Rod, Chris & April, Jason & Jen, David & Victoria, and Jeremy (2024) and her treasured great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She will also be profoundly missed by her nieces and nephews, Penny & Tulio (2014), Paul & Lynn, Wesley, Alex (1992), Kate & Terry.

Growing up as the eldest of three daughters to Alex and Pearl Russell of Charing Cross, Ontario, she spent her childhood with her late sisters Louise (2014) and June (1990), helping on the family farm, earning the nickname “Tommy Tucker,” which always brought a smile to her face when mentioned in later years. A devoted member of the Salvation Army Chatham Corps, she met the love of her life, John, at church. Their story-filled with a deep and abiding love, grace, resilience, and so much laughter-serves as a shining example for all of us.

Our mother’s faith was incredibly strong, always unwavering, and she believed in everlasting life.  We find comfort in knowing she is reunited in heaven with loved ones who passed before her. We envision her sitting in her recliner, side-by-side and hand-in-hand with our dad, as they share laughter and stories with our cherished brothers and sister Tom, John and Fay whom she missed dearly.

Mom was truly exceptional. Her unconditional love, honesty, support for our dreams, and the warmth of her hugs made us all better people.  Renowned for her baking, her cherished Christmas recipes continue to be passed down through generations. We are forever grateful for her influence in our lives as a mother, mother-in-law, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

As we navigate this profound loss, we are uplifted by the extraordinary gift of her life and will strive to honour her legacy in our own lives. Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Riverview Gardens for their compassionate care during her final years.

Her life and legacy will be celebrated on Thursday, March 6th at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., followed by a private family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations to the Chatham-Kent Salvation Army or Chatham-Kent Hospice.

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040