Marilyn Stewart Stafford, 91, of Stowe, Vermont, passed away peacefully at her home on February 28, surrounded by her devoted family.

Born on April 10, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, Marilyn was the daughter of Melbourne and Ottilie Stewart. Her mother, a German immigrant who left school at a young age to help support her family, was determined that her daughter have the educational opportunities she herself had been denied. She was thus thrilled when Marilyn decided to follow in her brother's footsteps and apply to the University of Michigan, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1957.

It was at the University of Michigan that Marilyn met her future husband, Roderick Stafford, a student in Michigan's pharmacy school. They married in 1955 and spent several years living in Michigan before moving in 1960 with their children, Dale and Carolyn, back to Rod's hometown of Stowe, where they joined Rod's parents in business, adding a pharmacy to the family's Main Street drug store. For many years, Marilyn worked with her husband, serving as the gift buyer and bookkeeper for what became Stafford's Country Store and Pharmacy. With four more children (Vicki, Bob, Bill, and Cindy) added to the family over the next decade, Marilyn's and Rod's lives revolved around their family, community, and business.

A talented pianist, Marilyn raised her family with a love of music encouraged by the many evenings and holidays where they gathered to sing around the piano as she played Broadway show tunes, Christmas carols, and classical pieces. Over the years, the family grew with the addition of her children's spouses, as well as sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom adored the grandmother in whose eyes they could do no wrong.

Marilyn took great pride in the academic, athletic, and musical achievements of her children and grandchildren, and delighted in proudly attending their school concerts, activities, and graduations. Her home was the gathering point for innumerable family dinners and celebrations over the years, including the annual Halloween party held as hundreds of trick-or-treaters descended on her house. Her children and grandchildren will treasure the memories of those times together, as well as of Marilyn's love, generosity, her sense of humor, and the comfort of knowing that she was always there for them.

In addition to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Marilyn is survived by her six children: Dr. Dale Stafford and his wife, Mary Frances, of Montpelier; Carolyn Fitzgerald and her husband, Robert of Ludlow; Vicki Garret and her husband, Olivier, of Stowe and Fernandina Beach, FL; Bob Stafford and his wife, Kelley, of Stowe; William Stafford and his wife, Amy Blodgett, of San Carlos, CA; and Cynthia Stafford of Stowe, as well as her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Melbourne and Nancy Stewart, and nephews John Stewart and Dr. Kevin Stewart and his wife, Carolyn. Marilyn was predeceased by her beloved husband, Roderick, her brother, Donald Stewart, and her niece, Jill Stewart.

In addition to family, Marilyn leaves behind her devoted caregivers, Katie, Jessie, Paula, Julie, and Tracey, who became like family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lamoille Home Health and Hospice, whose caregivers treated Marilyn with warmth and compassion during her final years, or to the Stowe Rescue Squad who assisted in her care and is a valuable service to our community. A private service will take place at Stowe's Riverbank Cemetery this summer. Arrangements are under the care of Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury, Vermont.