BERNARD – Marilyn Doris Goldsmith MacDuffie, 81, passed away Sept. 20, 2009, at her home, with her family at her side. Her life was an extraordinary testament to the power of love, acceptance, selflessness, service and grace. Marilyn was born July 14, 1928, in South Amboy, N.J., the third child of Maxwell and Doris White Goldsmith. She graduated from Metuchen High School in 1946. She attended Rutgers University, Bates College and Schauffler College. She was married in 1953 to the Rev. John MacDuffie of Waterville. Together they served United Church of Christ, UCC, congregations in Litchfield and Chatham, Ohio; Raymond, Casco and East Raymond; Westbrook; Augusta; and Greenville and Rockwood, all in Maine. She and John were managers of Pilgrim Lodge, West Gardiner, in the 1980s, and on John’s retirement in 1995, they moved to Bernard on Mount Desert Island. Marilyn’s life was one of giving to her church, her community and her family. She enjoyed gardening, running a food co-op, supporting her children’s musical endeavors, volunteer work with thrift shops, and reaching out to community members in need. She ran the hotline for Literacy Volunteers of Maine from 1981 to 1989. Her genuine interest in and compassion for people was felt by all who met her. From 1974 to 1978, Marilyn provided home care for her mother until her death from Alzheimer’s disease. Marilyn’s own diagnosis of Alzheimer’s was made in 2001. She was cared for at home in the same loving manner by her husband, with help from devoted caregivers, Lynn Lepley-Boschert and Roxanna McGrail-Roberge. Marilyn is survived by her husband of 56 years, John MacDuffie; by sons, John Paul of Philadelphia and Alan of Cape Elizabeth; daughters, Margaret Kedzierski of Freiburg, Germany, and Sarah Hundertmark of Portsmouth N.H.; her brother, Alan White of Berkeley Heights, N.J.; and six grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, Barry White of Thomaston and Baltimore. A service celebrating Marilyn’s life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Somesville Union Meeting House, UCC. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to Literacy Volunteers of Maine: www.lvmaine.org; The Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org/maine; or Hancock County Homecare & Hospice: www.hancockcountyhomecare.org.
MARILYN DORIS GOLDSMITH MACDUFFIE
