Obituary of Marion Brose

Marion Lucinda Brose (née Pottruff) September 2, 1935 – June 10, 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Marion Lucinda Brose (née Pottruff) on the night of Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in her 90th year, in Brantford, Ontario. Beloved wife of the late Ty Brose, and former wife of the late Jack Van Tilborg. Cherished mother of Merry Lynne Reynolds (Steve), David Van Tilborg (Anne), Terry Van Tilborg (Kathy), and Brian Van Tilborg. Proud grandmother of Erin Reynolds (Sean Camp), Veronica Kleiman, Christopher Van Tilborg, Corey Van Tilborg (Erin), Renée Van Tilborg, and Matthew Van Tilborg (Lana), Jess Larche and Sam Kronos. Adored great-grandmother to Avery, Grayson, Charlotte, Declan, Jude, Aselin, including the families of Joseph Kippax and Gainah Edmonds. She is predeceased by her parents Jack and Helen Pottruff, and siblings Frances and Albert, and remembered fondly by extended family and friends. A Life of Service and Spirit Born on September 2, 1935, in Burford, Ontario, Marion was the eldest of three children raised on a small dairy farm. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in Cathcart before completing her education at Burford District High School. At 14, she entered the workforce, first as a bookkeeper for a local feed store and then as a telephone operator. Marion married young, to Jack Van Tilborg, and together they ran Reliable Cars, a used car dealership near Burford. She raised four children while managing the demands of the business and later supported the family following Jack’s disabling accident. Marion did whatever was needed, selling Avon, vacuum cleaners, and later working in caregiving roles keeping her family strong. She later remarried Ty Brose of North Bay, Ontario, a friendship rekindled decades after their teenage years. What began as a letter of condolence became a new chapter of companionship. They were happily married for ten years until Ty’s passing in 2001. Marion loved people wholeheartedly and unconditionally. She never left the house without her hair styled, lipstick on, and a quick look in the mirror. She had an open door and an open heart. She could be strong-willed and proudly bossy, but her warmth was unmistakable. Her friendships crossed generations, cultures, and backgrounds, always guided by a deep and genuine curiosity about others. Legacy of Compassion Marion had an undeniable drive to help others. She worked at the Andrew Donaldson Developmental Centre, and later as a night supervisor at Sheridan Place Retirement Home, where she supported elderly women with dignity and care. She was deeply involved in her church—Heritage United (later Harmony United), and could always be found at the heart of outreach programs, visiting housebound members, and helping with Out of the Cold community dinners. Her compassion reached far beyond Canada’s borders. For 13 years, she used all her vacation time to volunteer in St. Lucia through the CNIB, supporting individuals who were blind or visually impaired. Later in life, she continued to give back by volunteering with the Brant NDP, promoting the causes she believed in and supporting her local community in countless quiet ways. Visitation and Service Visitation: Sunday, June 22, 2025 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Centre 88 Brant Avenue, Brantford, Ontario Memorial Service: Monday, June 23, 2025 1:00 p.m. Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Centre 88 Brant Avenue, Brantford, Ontario Interment will take place at a later date. With Gratitude The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Charlotte Villa Retirement, the dedicated staff at Brantford General Hospital, and the compassionate team at St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre. In Her Honour Marion gave generously to others in both action and spirit. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a cause close to your heart, in her memory. She personally supported the Canadian Humane Society, the World Wildlife Fund, and a variety of environmental and humanitarian charities, both in Canada and abroad.