Marilyn A. Pocock

May 15, 1942 - November 26, 2021

Marilyn Pocock Obituary

Marilyn Ann Pocock of Barrie, Ontario died peacefully, at home with her faithful dog Splash by her side on Friday, November 26th, 2021.  Marilyn was born on May 15, 1942, in Ottawa, ON to the late Howard and Annie (nee Pickell) Pocock. She grew up in a loving, and disciplined home with her sisters Dorothy and Sharon. Howard and Annie expected good manners, respect, hard work and high achievement.

As children, Marilyn and Dorothy enjoyed many summers with their cousins on Nelson Pickell’s farm in Wingham, Ontario.  Family holidays on the sandy shores of Lake Huron were also a tradition.

After high school Marilyn attended teachers college and then began her teaching career at an elementary school in York region teaching grade four. It was here that she honed her famous “grade four look.” The look she used to let you know she was not pleased. Friends, family, students, athletes, and colleagues alike have all experienced that “look.”

In the mid 60’s Marilyn moved to Stayner to teach physical education at Stayner Collegiate and coach the Stayner Collegiate girls basketball team to a championship level. She then took a year off teaching to achieve a Bachelor of Education degree with a major in Physical Education from the University of Western Ontario.

In 1967 she moved to Barrie to teach physical education at the newly opened Eastview Secondary School. Here she developed the physical education program. As a teacher and coach Miss Pocock expected students to give 110%. To do well in her class or on her teams, you had to earn it. She loved teaching phys ed, but it showed the most when she taught dance. She could really tear up the floor! Her greatest joy was coaching. As a coach her work ethic earned her the respect of her athletes, a successful athletic career, and several coaching awards.

Behind the scenes Marilyn was a tireless advocate for girls and women in sport. She was a pioneer in inspiring change in high school athletics at both the community and provincial level to ensure equal opportunities for girls.

Marilyn’s career spanned more than four decades teaching a love of movement and building a legacy of more opportunities for girls and women. Outside of school she practiced what she preached. She was an avid skier, golfer, and sports fan. She loved the outdoors, boating, camping, and hiking with her dogs.

In her fifties Marilyn turned her long-time love of dogs into a passionate hobby. She began to breed and show golden retrievers. Two of her dogs won champion status at several dog shows.

Marilyn’s coaching talents went beyond the gym and field. She was a loving and devoted life coach to her younger sister Sharon. Sharon had special needs and Marilyn was dedicated to her happiness and well-being. Their bond was heart-warming to observe.

Pokey was a loyal friend. She loved a good time and was the first to appear when the chips were down. She enjoyed good food, music, laughter, playing bridge and spending time with those closest to her.

Although in recent years Marilyn’s health had declined making it difficult for her to enjoy her many hobbies and interests, she lived her life to the fullest. She was an independent woman with great strength of character.  She was a force to be reckoned with and leaves a legacy of inspired students and cherished memories in the hearts of those who loved and cared for her. She will be sadly missed by her sister Dorothy and by the good friends she leaves behind.

Marilyn is predeceased by her parents Howard and Annie Pocock, and her beloved sister Sharon. She is survived by her sister Dorothy (Alvin) Goldman.

Friends and family will be received at Adams Funeral Home (445 St. Vincent St., Barrie) on Monday, December 6, 2021 at 1 pm. and can be viewed though the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86337098070?pwd=UmdhYWM0VG9wSEJDSXU0ZnZzNjFldz09 Attendees are asked to wear masks and show proof of vaccination.

To view Marilyn Pocock’s recorded service please click the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv01OP9TCdLAKuSOVIZupmQ

A spring interment will take place at Pinecrest Cemetery (2500 Baseline Rd., Ottawa) on May 15, 2022.

Memorial donations can be made to Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund.

Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family through adamsfuneralhome.ca