Marilyn Butler McKenney

February 15, 1931 – January 14, 2024

BEDFORD, NH & MARBLEHEAD It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marilyn Butler McKenney, who left us just shy of her 93rd birthday on January 14, 2024. Formerly of Bedford, NH, Marilyn was a Cape Ann native, born in Gloucester, MA, on February 15, 1931. She was predeceased by her wonderful husband, Gordon Murray McKenney, Jr. (1932-2009), whom she met at dancing school at the age of 14. They shared 57 years in a remarkable marriage.

A graduate of Saugus High School, Marilyn and her identical twin sister went on to graduate from the Melrose School of Nursing. Just prior to obtaining her RN, Marilyn wed the love of her life on August 1, 1952. Shortly thereafter, they left for Ketchikan, Alaska, where Gordon would be stationed with the United States Coast Guard/Search & Rescue Division. Marilyn dutifully began her nursing career at the local Hospital.

Eventually, Marilyn and Gordon headed back to Topsfield, MA to resume life on the North Shore, then on to Bedford, NH, where they resided for the next 45yrs and raised their three daughters. Later in her years, Marilyn plugged back into her Cape Ann roots and enjoyed several years in Marblehead, MA.

Her dedication to her family, friends, and community was insurmountable. Woven into her devoted nursing career, exceptional parenting, and abundant community service, Marilyn was a hardy sailor, passionate skier, avid tennis player, a coy bridge shark, impassioned reader, lover of dance, a spirited lover of birds, and fully embodied generosity, kindness, and laughter. Her zest for life was reflected in the adventure she embraced into her last days.

Emboldened by her love of nursing, Marilyn exuded a profound passion for her vocation. Throughout her tenure, she worked in pediatrics at Mass Eye and Ear, performed years of private duty nursing, and (reluctantly) retired as Charge Nurse with the American Red Cross.

Annisquam was merely where the anchor lay in Marilyn’s decades of sailing. With kids in tow, she and Gordon sailed all corners of New England. Upon retirement, they ventured to Nova Scotia over the summer months, and throughout the British Virgin Islands each spring. She was an enthusiastic member of Bluewater Sailing, Little Harbor Yacht Club, Blue Water Sailing Club, and Sandy Bay Yacht Club.

Marilyn religiously skied into her late 70s. She happily drove her kids throughout New England to races in her younger years and performed gatekeeper duties over nail-biting moments. Along with exploring other areas, she and Gordon were the longest-standing pass holders at Pat’s Peak in Henniker, NH. And proud of it.

Nurturing friendships was second nature stemming back to childhood. Bedford Bluff’s Swim & Tennis Club was the pinnacle of Marilyn’s love for tennis and the heartbeat of summer endeavors with her dearest girlfriends—thick as thieves. Many of those same gals were part of the infamous ‘Night Owls’, a spirited bridge group where they duked it out over the course of decades … never shy of hilarity and a pile of banter. Because Marilyn could not get enough bridge, she formed a neighborhood bridge group with the same underlying theme … more bridge and cheerful frolicking with dear friends.

Marilyn was a selfless giver and gave generously of her time. A pivotal committee member for the esteemed annual NH Chapter of the March of Dimes Foundation Charity Ball, Marilyn orchestrated efforts raising funds dedicated to combating birth defects through enhanced prenatal care.

As the president of Bedford Garden Club, Marilyn drove the initiative to build out the beautification project at the entrance of town, including a directory sign guiding people to the various town buildings as they entered town —affectionately nicknamed Marilyn’s Corner by those she inspired.

Marilyn led the Ladies Circle of the Bedford Presbyterian Church for 25 years, forming coordinated bridge groups and raising hefty sums to support the church. More bridge with the same theme … although competitive, the emphasis was on good sportsmanship and forging friendships with joie de jouer woven in —the essence of Marilyn herself.

Philanthropic endeavors extended to the orchestration of the Garden Bicentennial Tour. Drove the creation and sale of countless holiday wreaths, raising additional funds for BPC, upholding a tradition dating back to 1949. Volunteer work at the Palace Theatre, Granite State Ambassadors, and the local airport's information booth where she assisted and guided travelers with enthusiasm.

Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Lauren McKenney, Priscilla McKenney (Andrea Rey), and Janelle Alexander, as well as three grandchildren. She is predeceased by her late parents, James Butler and Hester (Pratt) Butler; sisters, Carolyn Navarro and Priscilla Beeman.

A memorial service will be held at the Bedford Presbyterian Church on May 11, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow. A private Celebration of Life will take place in Rockport, MA.

In lieu of flowers, Marilyn communicated her wishes for memorial donations to be made to the 'Make-A-Wish Foundation' and … or kindly give blood at your local American Red Cross donation center. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for the McKenney family.