Generous Estate Gift by Marilyn Bieles Reveals Emotional Family Story and Generational Ties to Haven Toronto

As told by Wendy Cole, Marilyn Beiles' niece - September 2024

Marilyn Bieles, my maternal aunt, passed away in 2022. In her will, she left a generous donation to Haven Toronto, which surprised many in the family.

They were unaware of her deep interest in her father's life—my grandfather—and his connection with Haven Toronto, formerly known as The Good Neighbour's Club.

Marilyn and I were very close, especially after she and her husband asked my husband and me to be their executors 12 years ago. Over the years, she delved into our family history, hoping to pass down an understanding of our roots to future generations. One of her primary quests was to learn more about her estranged father.

Marilyn and my mother were part of a family of six children. They left their small town during their early teens when my grandmother returned to her hometown with them, citing my grandfather’s alcoholism as the reason. After the separation, life was difficult, and my mother remained angry with her father. None of the children ever spoke to him again or knew of his whereabouts.

As an adult, my aunt quietly continued her search for her father, feeling a part of herself was missing without knowing him. She had fond memories of him as a smart, kind, and affectionate person.

She knew that in the 1920s, he attended university and took business courses—a rare opportunity at the time. However, Marilyn remembered that he experienced "mood changes" and increasingly used alcohol during these periods. He worked in the family business, but his drinking led to his termination, causing severe financial stress for his family.

With no support from his family, my grandmother eventually decided to take the children and return to her family home, leaving my grandfather to manage on his own. His alcoholism worsened, and he eventually left his hometown, cutting off all contact.

Around 1990, my aunt discovered that her father had passed away in the late 1980s in Toronto, alone and homeless, due to complications from alcohol use. This news was devastating to her, but she found some solace in knowing he had received support from The Good Neighbours Club (now Haven Toronto).

It comforted my aunt to know that someone had offered her father friendship and support when his family could not. She recognized that alcohol addiction and likely depression led to his unfortunate circumstances. Without hesitation, she decided to leave a substantial donation to Haven in her will.

My aunt was a thoughtful, kind, and insightful person who never judged others. She believed that vulnerable members of society often become "invisible" and expected compassion from others. An accomplished artist and passionate about the welfare of others, my aunt Marilyn was fiercely independent and believed seniors were valuable members of society.

She passed suddenly at 91 while out for a walk.

In my healthcare career, my aunt’s influence was profound. She reminded me that it is a privilege to help people at their weakest moments. Her memory often comes to mind, especially when I see seniors struggling, and I think of my grandfather.

I believe this this photo of my aunt captures her kindness and love of life. Marilyn would have been delighted to know about your efforts to highlight the stories behind the wonderful clients of Haven.