Obituary of Marilyn Ruth Take Wittstock
It is with sorrow that we announce Marilyn’s peaceful passing on April 14, 2023, at the age of 95. Marilyn was born, the eldest of three, to Percival Horace Take and Marjorie (nee Young) on March 11, 1928, in Toronto Ontario. She grew up in North Toronto where her artistic talents quickly became evident. She expressed her love of classical music and dance through her figure skating, and later in her vocal music studies and singing of opera or sacred arias.
Marilyn was a beautiful creative soul, a loving mom, and a bright light to everyone who knew her. An Olympic figure skater known for her extraordinary free skating artistry in bringing the music to life on ice, Marilyn won the Ladies Singles gold medal at the 1947 Canadian Figure Skating Championships and went on to compete at the 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Her free skating prowess anticipated the modern era and was acclaimed by the New York Times as "poetry on ice" and in the London Times as “the most rhythmic and beautiful ever presented in 40 years of observation. “ She went on to star in the Shipstad and Johnson’s Ice Follies before marrying Roy Codrington Wittstock in 1953 and starting a family in 1954.
Marilyn is survived by her three children, Joanne, Christopher and Melinda, her grandchildren Morgan, Drew, Peter, Natalie, Charlotte, Sydney and Finn, and her great grandchildren Bowen, Brooke, and Oliver. Her children remember her for her love and her enthusiasm. Her older grandchildren recall the unique and fun adventures she contrived for herself and them. Marilyn loved to sing, coloratura soprano lyrics while tidying the kitchen or sacred arias as a sought-after church soloist. Her particular favorite was “I know my Redeemer liveth” and she did her best to live a life that honoured this knowledge. She was passionate in her beliefs and across the years she became deeply knowledgeable in biblical scholarship. She loved God first and put her faith into practice in her daily life.
Marilyn returned to the figure skating world in the early 1970’s as a coach, initially at the Port Perry Figure Skating Club and later at several Toronto area Clubs including the Granite Club, North York and the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club, which she had represented in competition. She coached a number of national figure skating competitors and delighted in choreography where she was known for her unrivaled artistry. A lifelong athlete, she was known for taking 16 kilometre walks, swimming, playing tennis or curling at the Granite Club.
While philosophers may debate the merits of living in interesting times, there is no question that Marilyn lived an interesting life well and that she has gone on to enjoy what comes next. We celebrate her life, a life of dedication and achievement and the love she showed us. A great performance worthy of a standing ovation by us who remain. A celebration of life will be held at Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville) on Friday, July 14th at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial gifts be directed to either the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or to any Toronto area charity that provides support to the homeless. Marilyn particularly respected the work of the Scott Mission. Condolences may be left through www.humphreymiles.com.
© 2023 Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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