JONES-BENT, Marilyn Anne - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Marilyn Jones-Bent of Cottage Cove, NS who passed away at her home on Friday, February 23rd, 2024, at the age of 81. Born June 30th, 1942, in New Waterford, NS she was the daughter of the late Charles and Mary Musial of Gardiner Mines, NS. She is survived by her beloved husband of 5 years, Robert ("Bob") Bent, who made her laugh every day.

Upon finishing school Marilyn worked in Halifax, NS as a stenographer, visiting friend Grace Elmore of Port George on the occasional weekend. It was here that Marilyn met her first husband, Guilford ("Gil") Hayes. They married in 1962 and lived first in Mt Hanley and then Cottage Cove while raising four children. In 1996 Marilyn moved to Middleton and after completing a course in human resources worked with the VON for several years. In 1998 she married Roy Jones of Aylesford and they eventually moved to Cottage Cove so Marilyn could be next to her beloved Bay of Fundy. Many years following Roy's passing, Marilyn met Bob Bent of Middleton at a writer's group meeting; they married in 2018.

Marilyn loved swimming, sunbathing, berry picking, gardening, bird watching and picnics on the shore but most of all she loved the sunsets over the Bay of Fundy, staying up even when very tired to watch the reddening sun slowly melt into the water. She was a member of the Annapolis County Field Naturalist Society, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 1 of Middleton, the Cottage Cove District Wharf Society, the Mt Hanley Schoolhouse Museum and a writer's group called Author's Ink. Marilyn was interested in and helpful with community and church affairs. She taught Sunday School, was a member of the Baptist Baby Band, a member of the Women's Missionary Society and served as a deacon of the Mt Hanley/Port George United Baptist Church for many years. She was also involved with activities held at the Port George Recreation Center and collected for various charitable organizations such as the Cancer Society. Marilyn loved to write, and years ago regularly contributed to the local newspaper with a piece entitled "The Four C's" which was news about the people who lived in four adjacent communities, one of which was Cottage Cove. Seniors held a special place in Marilyn's heart; she compiled two books chronicling the adventures of ~25 local seniors and their families and authored other self-published works such as Stories to Tell Vols I and II, Growing up in Cape Breton, and Aunt Tony's Diary. In her later years she learned to play the guitar and enjoyed jamming with friends as well as coaching her granddaughter, Jolene, who also plays the guitar.  Marilyn was always kind and considerate to everyone and loved her grandchildren dearly.

She is also survived by children, Guilford "Mike" Hayes (Janis Brennan), Cottage Cove, NS, Carolyn Shaw (Chris), Litchfield, NS, Nancy Lynch, Paradise, NS; former son-in-law, Charles "Charlie" Lynch, New Albany, NS; Cindy Michelin (Derek), Churchill Falls, NL;  siblings, Charlotte Musial, Sydney, NS; Charles  "Chuck" Musial Jr. (Bonnie), Monticello, MS; Fred Musial (Kathy), Whitehorse, YT; Michael Musial, Falmouth, NS; Kevin Musial, Gardiner Mines, NS and Mary Lou Musial, Dartmouth, NS. Surviving as well are brothers-in-law, Larry Bent (Evelyn), Halifax, NS; Steve Bent (Lisa Ronahan), Summerside, PEI; Alan Bent (Beverly), Valley, NS and David Bent, Halifax, NS; stepdaughters, Christie "C.J." (nee Bent) LaRosa (Joe), Vankleek Hill, ON, Sharon Milne (Dennis), Paradise and Michelle Bent (Alan Jackson), Clarence, NS. Marilyn is also survived by grandchildren, Guilford "Tyrel" Banks, Joseph Munroe, Shane Connell, Dustin Connell, Jolene Lynch, Keith Lynch, Jasmine Michelin and step grandchildren, Sarah Lynch, Andrew Lynch, Joette Michelin, Jenelle Michelin, Courtney Shaw, Brianna Shaw-Adam, Emily (Nunn) MacInnis, Brendan Shaw, Gabriella Shaw, Dennis Euloth, Dominic LaRosa, Natalia LaRosa, several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, one great-grandson and eleven step great-grandchildren. Marilyn was predeceased by her parents as well as her sister, Barbara "Barby" at age 9, first husband Guilford "Gil" Hayes and second husband Leroy "Roy" Jones.

Visitation will take place from 2- 4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m Wednesday, February 28, 2024 in Middleton Funeral Home 398 Main St., toll free: 1-855-825-3448. In accordance with Marilyn's wishes, she will be cremated prior to her memorial service which will be held 2pm Saturday, March 2, 2024 in Middleton Funeral Home with Rev. Lloyd Gillieo officiating. The service will be livestreamed and available to watch beginning at 1:55 p.m. by going to the funeral home's website and selecting the  "livestream" tab at the top of the homepage. Interment will follow in Aylesford Union Cemetery. Marilyn loved flowers; they are most welcome. Donations in Marilyn's memory can be made to The Cottage Cove District Wharf Society or the Victoria Vale Church.  The online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com