Book of Condolences
Marilyn Brooks
November 13, 1932 – July 04, 2026
Marilyn Brooks, C.M., O.Ont, May 2019
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We invite you to sign the book of condolences and share your memories of Marilyn. Your words mean the world to her family and her team.
22 entries.
Dear Kennedy,
So sorry to read of Marilyn’s passing.
I have fond memories of the time I spent in Toronto, so many years ago. I also remember being one in your wedding party.
My thoughts are with you.
Big hug,
Sincerely,
Kevin
Dear Kennedy and the Coles family.
Our deepest condolences to all of you. Marilyn was a special soul, one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all those who knew her. I met Marilyn in 1981 when I started working for her. That was the beginning of a forty-five-year friendship. Marilyn always made time for people, especially young people. Marilyn’s aura touched everyone who interacted with her. Her loving friendship, courage and confidence, not to mention energy, creativity, humour, generosity and kindness will never be forgotten and our memories of her will live on in our hearts. With much love, Nikki and Paul
What fun Marilyn and I had in assembling all the stories that would find their way into the book about her amazing life that I was privileged to write: “Behind The Seams”. That’s the way I will always remember her.
We’d spend many long days in Muskoka, at her place or mine, where she’d regale me with wonderful stories about her life. I’d tape her talking about the stunning events life had entertained her with and use that to write from. Of course, Marilyn being Marilyn, she would occasionally blend parts of her life, or events, together that didn’t really align that way. But this was OK: later, I’d sort through the elements and get their times and locales in line. And if I was stumped, Kennedy – bless him – would sort things out and help keep me on the straight and narrow.
I will miss you Marilyn. It was indeed a pleasure and an honour to count you as a friend.
Marilyn, what an amazing woman in so many ways, always inspiring and innovative.
I was fortunate enough to be a part of her transformation on the late 70’s from working out of her home on Carlton street,.which housed her entire business; boutique, design offices, production and shipping to an area on Adelaide Street which allowed her more space to showcase her designs, manufacture and distribute
I was new to Toronto and Marilyn and her fabulous team became my family
Life was exciting and full of activities: fashion shows, trips to New York and Europe. The introduction of her Hunt club collection into the Hudson Bay, De Boers diamond.collection, uniforms the newly refurbished King Edward Hotel etc and special designs for her passion, her 2 boutiques, parties and much more… and then she met Kennedy and things really began to change
She loved her work, was always busy but had.time for everyone
In her later years she wrote a book Behind the Seams which us a good read and a wonderful resource
Bless you Marilyn and Kennedy and all those that knew her
Wow… what an amazing woman in so many ways, always innovated
I was fortunate to have been part of her transformation in the late 70s from working out of her home and boutique on Carlton Street to an entire place just for production on Adelaide street and meeting Kennedy
I was new to Toronto and Marilyn and her fabulous group of people became my family
Life was pretty exciting, her two boutiques,fashion shows fabric sales, sometimes both on the same day. Trips to Europe and New York. Her Huntclub line was put into production and was sold in the Hudson Bay, DeBoers diamond collection, uniforms; king, Edward, hotel, sunshine, girls, etc., and the parties all going at the same
time
She was always busy, involved and kind
Bless you, Marilyn for all you have contributed
From the moment I met Marilyn, I was in awe of this dynamic and creative force who only saw solutions and new ways of doing things. Nothing was ever impossible. I was fortunate that through my career in fashion P.R. and as the Executive Director of Designers Ontario, I was able to work with Marilyn on several occasions. I will always remember her smile, her tireless energy, her kindness, her creativity and her love of music. What she did for the Canadian fashion industry will never be duplicated. Marilyn, you will never be forgotten. R.I.P. Condolences to you, Kennedy.
The minute I saw that wonderful face (I knew who she was),
She was a customer of mine at Bayview Chapters.
We talked about fashion, food history and other things.
She was delight to serve.
Thank you for letting be part of your life, Marilyn.
Rip the reward that waiting for you.
Marilyn taught at the Haliburton School of Fine Arts in the 89s and I took her course. It was wonderful, culminating in a fashion show, The next year Marilyn
couldn't repeat the course due to other commitments and she asked me to teach it. We had a great time,
Marilyn was a generous, amazing and very funny person. She will be greatly missed.
Dear Kennedy - We were very saddened to hear of Marilyn's death. Please accept our condolences on her passing. You are in our thoughts.
I first met Marilyn (and John) in 1961 at the Unicorn when my mother opened Ginger’s next door on Cumberland St. I no longer have the royal purple velvet dress from that time but do relish the little frog box which sits on my breakfast table. We reconnected only briefly over the years, but aside from her wonderful fashion sense, it is her vibrant laugh that will remain with me.
Kennedy, our heartfelt condolences to you and to all of Marilyn's family. She was a very special woman. We are thinking of you all at this time.
Frank & Mary Lynn MacGrath
Beautiful Marilyn Brooks,
You are greatly missed.
You always brought enthusiasm and passion to every detail, including teaching me when I was eight years old, how to decorate the Cumberland Unicorn window. I have decades of wonderful times I spent with you that are filled with lots of love and laughs.
And for my mom Colleen Riley, she adored, admired and loved you.
What an incredible life she lived having you as a friend, and working with you.
Kennedy, my deepest sympathies. Marilyn was so blessed to have you in her life.
All The Family, please accept my condolences.
Xoxo Robert Riley
I was drawn to put on my favorite top that is full of holes from decades of loving wear. It's now my colorful gardening shirt, almost more radiant than my flowers themselves. So, I decided I was long overdue to see, literally decades later, what might be on the market these days. So I Googled her only to learn that just days ago she passed on. My condolences to all those who loved her. I am an ardent believer in the immortality of creative ripples. She lives on in her art.
Farewell fine lady, you will be missed by many. What great memories you have left for all of us, you were a fashion icon I looked up to, long before we became friends. Our condolences Kennedy, you were her rock.
Marilyn, thank you for being you.
Marilyn was first a only a high fashion name to me. As a young girl growing up in Niagara Falls, I worked for the designer and women's boutique owner, Geoffrey Chapman, who carried Marilyn's line.
I first got to model her clothes with Geoffrey Chapman Models in Niagara, and later I sold her clothing in Geoff's boutique.
Image my excitement when I got to go to Toronto to try on her clothing for Geoff and his own mother and co-owner of the boutique, Marily Woods, as I was the "perfect Marilyn Brooks size small". It was a dream come true and a very good reason for a 15 year old girl who dreamed of a career in fashion to miss a day of high school!
I kept in touch with Marilyn, and later worked for her for years in her many Toronto stores, and her factory. She was an inspiration to me, as I worked to be a designer myself. Such a canny businesswoman and talented designer and artist, and so supportive of young talent (I turned out to be a lawyer, but she has helped hundreds of others, if not thousands, in the fashion industry)!
Marilyn, you were loved by all who met you. Kennedy, and Darilyn, I am so very sorry for your loss.
To Kennedy, family and those close to Marilyn whose life was so well iived, I share your sadness at her passing but will always remember the way she embraced life. An unforgettable woman.
Our deepest condolences on the passing of dear, funny, marvelous Marilyn. We will never forget her. Sending our love to Kennedy and her family.
Sincere condolences to Kennedy, the family and fashion world for the loss of a Canadian Icon. Her passion for art, life, fashion and fashion education is and was a thing of beauty. Her generosity of spirit is one that cannot be taught but how wonderful if it could be emulated. So grateful to have known her and for her support.
I first met Marilyn when I shopped for a fancy satin dress at The Unicorn in the 60's. Later I bought my business & casual wear from stores on Bloor W, Queen W & Yorkville. Marilyn was kind, giving personal service to clients and always a trend setter. Finally, I was lucky enough to be part of the groups who traveled with her several timee to Europe. These tripe were always fun, each ending with a personal hand painted piece of art from Marilyn. Rest in peace, Marilyn. Love & blessings to Kennedy.
Marilyn Brooks was a true visionary and an icon of Canadian design. When she recruited me fresh out of fashion school, she didn’t just give me a job; she gave me my start in the industry. As one of her managers, models, and buyers, I had the privilege of learning from the best. She gave me my voice and the courage to pursue everything I have achieved since. I am eternally grateful for her belief in me and the investment she made in my future. She will be missed dearly.
Such a vivacious creative Lady who will be truly missed, along with her fun cottage cocktail parties, a highlight of everyones trip summer. Missing you Marilyn.
Marilyn was a one of a kind human being. She treated all her friends as family. We had many good times over both of our careers. Kennedy, I send you love. Marilyn is in a good place and she will never be forgotten!! ❤️❤️
