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Marilyn G. Stillman

Our beautiful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Marilyn Garfield Stillman of Amherst, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2018. Marilyn was ever cheerful and generous and was blessed to live independently until the final week of her life.

She was born on August 17, 1924, in Burlington, Vermont, to Ethan and Della (Walker) Garfield. She grew up in Manchester, N.H., and graduated from Wellesley College in 1945.

In 1947 she married the love of her life, Ronald E. Stillman of Manchester, who predeceased her. Marilyn and Ronald moved with some frequency during their first twenty-five years of marriage, and whenever they relocated, Marilyn considered the move a new adventure–an opportunity to learn more, make friends, and give back. Deeply committed to volunteerism, she contributed to the many communities in which she resided, and strove to leave a place better than she found it.

She was a member of the DAR, the Winthrop Society, and a strong supporter of Wellesley College, serving her class in various capacities. Marilyn had a great interest in genealogy and corresponded with individuals across the country in pursuit of acquiring information about her family and heritage. She possessed a lively intellect and a thirst for learning. She was an avid reader and had a profound knowledge of history, particularly British history and the Civil War. She loved to travel, both within our country and abroad. Priding herself on living fully and independently, Marilyn endeavored to make each day meaningful. Her unwavering faith, her grace in the face of adversity, and her love of family sustained her throughout her later years.

Marilyn will be deeply missed by her daughter Sara Stillman Drogin and her husband Jeffrey; her son Ronald G. Stillman and his wife Elaine; and her daughter Nancy Stillman. Her adoring grandchildren will miss her profoundly: Ethan Drogin, Elizabeth Drogin, Jennifer (Stillman) Ranalli, Heather (Stillman) Firth, and Mary Stillman, who predeceased her. Marilyn also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren who feel blessed to have known her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 5th at 10:00 AM in the First Congregational Church, 10 Union Street, Milford. Family members will greet friends beginning at 9:30. Burial will take place immediately after the service with a reception at the church to follow. Donations in her honor many be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon, Kanab, Utah 84741 bestfriends.org/sanctuary/explore-sanctuary

Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.