Marilyn Dion
Ontario Canada
Age 60
This boomer’s employment history reflects a love of challenges (which she jokingly refers to as her ‘checkered past’). Marilyn has been employed as secretary, life insurance agent, benefits analyst, marketing director, shopping center manager, museum curator, retreat coordinator and staffing and payroll clerk – all while being a mom, helping her three daughters develop into the wonderful adults they are today. Significant health problems resulting from car accident injuries, Crohn’s disease and celiac disease forced her into a state of disability. Most employers will not hire someone who might be sick a lot or who cannot work the full day. However, on occasion, she was asked to do research for an advertising firm in a nearby city. One particular assignment turned out to be a turning point in her life - to find out about celebrancy. At the time, she really had no idea what the word meant.
In the course of her research, she discovered that the celebrant movement started in Australia with Daly Messenger III. So she called him up to chat – and was intrigued with their discussion. The more she learned about being a celebrant, the more interested she became. It was suggested by Mr. Messenger to contact the then fledgling Celebrant Foundation & Institute in Montclair, New Jersey. Charlotte Eulette’s enthusiasm hooked Marilyn immediately. Charlotte is still the CEO and head cheerleader for all celebrants worldwide! In short order she registered and completed the institute’s courses on ‘fundamentals’ and ‘funerals’. She has since taken the ‘weddings’ course. Marilyn says “it has been such a pleasure to create ceremony that touches people’s hearts and to fulfill a need that is not being met in main stream religions. Every life path is different, every person is different, every couple is different – why should their life cycle ceremonies be the same?” She listens to what her clients want, quizzing them with in-depth questionnaires. With this input, she uses her expertise and training to create outstanding customized ceremony and then officiates at the milestone celebration. Marilyn brings story to life and puts life into the client’s story. From Dr. Who and Dr. Seuss themed weddings to celebrity memorials, she discovers the essence of who people are and what they want – and that is exactly what they get! Extremely grateful that she was forced to rethink the type of work she did, is an understatement according to Marilyn. Circumstances led her down the celebrant path giving her a renewed purpose. She is doing what she is good at as an entrepreneur creating unique meaningful ceremony for families experiencing both joy and sorrow. Her retirement is entirely reimagined as she fulfils her childhood dream of being a writer. Her speaking skills, enhanced through Toastmasters, permit her to enjoy the performance of ceremony allowing her to be actively engaged in her community. Marilyn is proud to be a pioneer for celebrancy in Canada as a Certified Life-Cycle® Celebrant serving residents of Ontario, Canada. On her website she states that “Weaving words and finding the common thread through differences is something I love to do as a celebrant. Discovering the essence of the people being recognized in ceremony and reflecting that to their community is a privilege and an honor.” Being a celebrant is a deeply rewarding profession creating a positive change in the way ceremony is enacted and appreciated. This freelance career is perfect for retirees – especially snowbirds. Not too many jobs provide a window from April to October, allowing travel south for the winter! As a life-cycle celebrant, Marilyn finds her retirement career very satisfying. Having the freedom to work when and where she wants - she has written ceremonies while enjoying a mojito at the pool or appreciating nature at a campground – now that’s the life!
