Obituary of Marilee DeLombard

Marilee DeLombard of Shawville and Thorne, born November 26, 1947, died peacefully in her home with family at her bedside on June 17. She is survived by her son Eric Kelley, marital partner Robert Wills, and his son Alex Wills. She has 2 grandchildren, 6 siblings 11 nieces and nephews scattered across the continent. An immigrant to the Pontiac in the early 70s, she settled in and began to work for a better life for herself, her son, and the community. She was instrumental in the formation of Pontiac Anti-Nuclear Action Committee, later renamed Pontiac Environment Protection, Pontiac Woolworks, her own product line Natural Software, Pontiac Architectural Heritage, the preservation of the Bryson House, the chimney swift project, and was Executive Director of the West Quebec Literacy Council for 25 years, recruiting students and tutors throughout the Ottawa and Gatineau Valleys. She has served as secretary of the Pontiac Historical Society, and participated in many social events. She was a true lover of nature and books. She was a fan of bicycling and leisurely paddles on Ebert’s Pond, yard sales and thrift shops. She loved to see plants, people and the community grow. We wish to thank the wonderful friends who have helped us to cope with her illness and death, especially the CLSC workers, who have brought comfort and care to our home.