HUDSON, N.H. — Marilyn T. Kelly, formerly of Middlebury, VT, passed away in her sleep in the early morning hours of Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, after a period of declining health. She was born on Oct. 3,1937, in Worcester, Mass., to John and Frances (O’Connor) Kelly, the third of their five children. 

Marilyn raised six children, and over the years had been employed with the New England Telephone Company, enjoyed working in retail, and capped off her professional life with several years in the office of Public Safety at Middlebury College. In Middlebury, she also volunteered with the Meals on Wheels program and the Festival on the Green. 

Marilyn spent over 30 years as a Middlebury-area resident, where she lived happily amongst many wonderful neighbors and friends. Despite living in a land-locked state, her immense passion for the ocean never wavered and she greatly cherished her trips to the coast, be it Cape Cod or Aruba. In her spare time, Marilyn enjoyed getting out for a walk or a bike ride and played tennis in her earlier years. She will be remembered for her strength of character, easy-going nature, and her beautiful, bright blue eyes. Family and many friends will miss her dearly.

Marilyn is survived by her children, sons Patrick Sullivan (Jacqueline) of Yarmouth Port, Mass., Timothy Sullivan of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Garret Sullivan (Hyunju) of South Burlington, Vt.; daughters Patrice Paquette (Mike) of New Haven, Vt., Tara Sargent (Basil) of Hudson, N.H., and Erin Sullivan of Middlebury, Vt., as well as seven grandchildren. 

Additionally, she leaves behind her brother David Kelly (Kathy) of West Boylston, Mass., and sister, Anne-Marie Fabeny (Ed) of Arlington, Va.; sisters-in-law Ellen Kelly of Middlebury, Vt., and Jean Kelly of Baton Rouge, La., along with many nieces and nephews. 

Marilyn was predeceased by older brothers Robert and John Kelly and her former husband, Ronald Sullivan. 

Per her wishes, there will not be a formal service and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marilyn’s name to Elderly Services Inc. (P.O. Box 581, Middlebury, VT 05753) or Gateways Community Services (144 Canal St., Nashua, NH 03064). 

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. ~Irish Proverb

The Cremation Society of New Hampshire has been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or for more information please visit www.csnh.com. ◊