Marilyn Arlene Wood

Marilyn Arlene Wood, (Mal), age 75, passed away with family at her side at home in Hooksett at 5 AM on May 24, 2022, after battling cancer. Marilyn got her wish to fly away to be with the Lord and family awaiting her in Heaven. On July 1, Marilyn and I would have been married for 55 years. Marilyn was born on February 17, 1947, in Levant, Maine to Reginald Albert Griffin, Sr. of Levant and Jacqueline Letitia Read of Palmyra, Maine. Marilyn graduated from Hermon High School in 1965. After graduation she worked as a stitcher at Tucker Shoe in Brewer, Maine. She met the love of her life at the Brewer Roller Rink in Brewer in 1966 and were married in Levant on July 1, 1967. Marilyn had an amazing sense of humor. Her husband recalled on their first date: I borrowed my cousin’s car to take Marilyn to the drive-in. I was not familiar with the road and asked her “Where does this road go?” She responded, “It doesn't go anywhere, it just stays right here.” I knew at that time we were to be together forever. They subsequently lived in Levant, Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough and Gorham, Maine prior to settling in Hooksett, NH. Gathering with family whenever the opportunity presented itself was the most important thing in her life. Her love for family knew no bounds. Marilyn’s amazing faith in Jesus Christ radiated to everyone who knew her: family, friends and strangers that she met and her church family at Bethany Chapel. In 2006, she unofficially adopted a family of five. Shannon Jones and her children Brianna, Morgan, Denasia and Josiah became family and would celebrate their birthdays every year. On special occasions, Thanksgiving and Christmas, she would make sure they had a special meal with all the fixings from the Turkey to dessert and carried out her mission right up to her passing. Marilyn loved taking all of her grandchildren born and borrowed for vacations to the lake and farmhouse. She enjoyed taking them shopping and out for lunch. A trip to McDonald’s was always a possibility. They all came to visit with her in her remaining hours. She was incredibly proud of all of them. Marilyn had one primary hobby which was quilting. She made hundreds of quilts for family, friends, nursing homes and others. This was her way of showing her love. Most of her quilts were hand sewed, one stitch at a time. She is predeceased by her mother, Jacqueline Griffin, 1986, Reginald Griffin, Sr., 2008, Brothers Reggie, Timothy, and Raymond and his spouse Lenore. Marilyn is survived by husband Merle of Hooksett, son Michael and wife Michele of Manchester, daughters Rebecca and husband Kevin Merriman of Windham, Maine, Karen of Bedford, and Jenny and husband Steve Bagley of Manchester. Grandchildren Natalie and her husband Seth Roma, Andrew Maynard and Colletta Slemmer of Bedford, Allison Merriman of Windham, Maine, Jonathan McLaughlin of Hooksett, Sarah and Griffin Wood of Manchester. Calling hours will be on June 3, 2022, at French and Rising funeral home, 17 S Main St., Goffstown, NH between 5 and 7 pm. The service will be at Bethany Chapel Community Church, 54 Newbury Rd., Manchester, NH by Pastor Robert W. McKenny and music by Stephanie Morin-Ricciardelli at 10:00 am. A graveside service will be at the Martin Cemetery in Hooksett, followed by refreshments at Bethany Chapel hosted by Marilyn’s church family. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Bethany Chapel Community Church through the funeral home or Bethany’s website, https://bethanychapel.net/give