Marilyn Arleigh Belec Bittman passed away peacefully on October 7th, 2023 in Meaford, Ontario.
On July 5th, 2023, Marilyn suffered a massive stroke, rendering her paralyzed with cognition intact.
The daughter of Kenneth and Arleigh Jones, Marilyn was born in Peterborough, Ontario on July 10th, 1935. She is survived by her three children: Liane (Robert Elias); Philip (Anna) and Danielle (James Parsons); her four beloved grandsons: Thomas Sanderson, Ben Belec, Sam Sanderson and Phillip Jacques (PJ) Belec; Carolyn Belec (Jacques); her dear brother and wife, Peter and Joyce Jones, and their children: Susan, Bradley and Deena; sister-in-law, Delores Bittman; cousin Diane Ainslee; and her longtime friend, Marilyn Knowles (Henry) and their children: Lori and Krista.
Marilyn had a remarkable curiosity, intellectual acumen, and kindness that shone a bright light for all. Throughout her 40 year career as documentary filmmaker and researcher, she made numerous, award-winning films on the social, gender, indigenous, environmental and cultural issues of our time. She was a mentor to many.
Her illustrious film career started at the National Film Board (NFB) of Canada in Montreal and then as an independent producer with her own company, Mobius Productions. Marilyn ended her career as Director for the NFB in Eastern Canada.
As one dear friend said of Marilyn, “I hear your laughter, bubbling up with little bursts of fun, of joie de vivre, like a youthful giggle, yet also like the chuckle of a very wise and positive woman. You have always seemed to know your own mind, while many of us remain a mystery to ourselves. I have a hunch that you, on the other hand, had something figured out: like a wise, wise soul.”
With heavy hearts, profound sorrow and irreplaceable loss, we are also eternally grateful to have facilitated our mother’s dignity and free choice to end her life. She is now at peace with her beloved Roman Bittman by her side. Our deepest appreciation to all the caring staff at the Long Term Care facility in Meaford. For those who would like to make an act of remembrance, please consider donating to mom’s charity of choice, Dying with Dignity Canada.
https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/in-memory-of-marilyn-arleigh-belec-bittman/
A private family celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held in the spring. Arrangements entrusted to Fawcett Funeral Home - Collingwood.