BANGOR – Marian Edith (Brown) Lennon Stewart, passed away peacefully Oct. 6, 2009, at a Brewer health care facility. She was born Feb. 10, 1920, in Portsmouth, N.H., the eldest child of Edith (Curtis) and Arthur W. Brown. Marian grew up in Concord, N.H., graduating from Concord High School in 1937. She had many fond memories of attending local sports games at White’s Park, Concord, N.H., with her dad. After high school, she worked several years for the State of New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Department at the State House in Concord, N.H. She married John A. Lennon of Dover, N.H., and together they had three children. She was a dedicated and supportive mom, often handling the tribulations of active kids alone while her husband traveled on business. His advancement to the position of vice president of the Chow Division of Ralston Purina Co. was partly attainable due to her ability to balance the responsibilities of the corporate wife with the more important job of raising kids to be responsible citizens with strong values. During the ’50s, while living in Brattleboro, Vt., she owned and operated a guest house, which contained a hidden entrance to the “slave tunnels” dating back to the civil war. Marian was an avid reader and loved music. She was an accomplished pianist who loved playing for family and friends, as well as at church functions. She also had a beautiful voice and always joined the church choir no matter where she lived and was often asked to perform solo. She was very athletic and enjoyed golf, swimming and skiing. She was proud of the fact that she was still riding her bike five miles a day at the age of 78. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and needlepoint. She also loved to travel and was grateful for her opportunities to visit many areas of this country as well as Europe. During her second marriage to her beloved Norman, she was a volunteer at Peterborough (N.H.) Hospital, was a member of Francestown (N.H.) Fireman’s Auxiliary, and worked for several years as a special duty police officer for Milford (N.H.) Police Department. In their retirement, in Bradenton Beach, Fla., she cheered him on in his shuffleboard tournaments. She had a special place in her heart for police officers, firefighters and the military. An avid sports fan, she was especially verbal when it came to the Patriots and Red Sox. Marian is survived by her brother, Arthur Brown; her sister, Marjorie Greenan; her son, Gary Lennon; and her daughter and very special son-in-law, Trudy and Robert Jonah. She is also survived by two very special daughters-in-law, Judy and Susan; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey, Kevin, Kelley, Cindy, Kristen, Alicia “Lishy” and Brian; 12 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; her first husband, John Lennon; her second husband, Norman Stewart; her son, David Lennon; and her brother, Richard Brown. A small family celebration of Marian’s life will be held at a later time. Any gifts may be made to any police or fireman’s benevolent association or a charity of choice. Arrangements are in the care of Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.
MARIAN E. STEWART
