Marilyn was raised in Ottawa and completed all of her studies there. She attended Carleton University/St. Patrick’s College (B.A. Sociology 1971) and then the University of Ottawa (B.A.(Hon. Psychology) 1972 and M.Ed. 1977).

From 1972-1979 she was employed at the University of Ottawa, first in the School of Human Kinetics and Leisure Studies as Academic Assistant to the Dean and then at the Child Study Centre.  Marilyn met Dr. Sidlauskas at the University when she was a student and at the time of Doc’s retirement from the Child Study Centre Marilyn was the Out-Client Coordinator of the Centre. She moved to Aurora with ‘Doc’ in 1979 and worked as her Executive Assistant at the ‘Canadian Association for Learning Through Listening’ until 1981 when Venta Preparatory School was opened.

From 1981-1993 Marilyn was the Vice-Principal of Venta and she was appointed Principal by the Board of Directors when Dr. Sidlauskas retired from that position in 1993. She has taught various courses through the years at Venta including English, History, French, Guidance and World Religions. She now teaches the grade 10 Careers course.

Marilyn resides on the Venta school grounds and for the years 2005-06 and 2006-07 she also acted as Housemother in the school’s residence.