CARMEL – Marilyn Ella (Thompson) Woodard, 82, passed away June 23, 2013, at her home, after a long illness. She was born March 3, 1931, in Carmel, daughter of Frank and Eda (Leathers) Thompson.
Marilyn was a devoted and loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and a lifelong homemaker to her husband and children. She was a hardworking and bright student who received her high school diploma in 1948 at Carmel High School. She was married Nov. 9, 1949, to Alfred Wendell Woodard, beginning a journey of 63 years with her husband that would endure for the rest of her life. Together, they traveled, raised a family and enjoyed many years after retirement. In her younger days, she worked very hard to raise a family and provide a loving and stable home. Throughout her life, she remained steadfastly loyal to her family and friends. Marilyn was an avid gardener who loved flowers and took great joy in nature, especially watching hummingbirds at the feeder and deer in the field. She adored her home and loved her pets, especially her dog, Poogie, and her kitties, Charlie, Chuckie, Opie and her favorite, Toby. She loved to shop at what she fondly called the “Pick-N-Paw” and was a terrific bargain hunter just as her mother had loved to “pick and paw” on their weekly shopping trips. Throughout her many years of poor health and physical challenges, she continued to take care of her home and her husband and remained as independent as possible. Marilyn loved and knew the Lord as her savior, was a lifelong Christian, and enjoyed the everyday blessings of life.
Marilyn was predeceased by her baby sister, Mary; her first born son, Thomas; her parents, Frank and Eda Thompson; and brother-in-law, Percy Haskell. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 63 years, Alfred Woodard of Carmel; four children, Cheryl (Woodard) Fontaine and husband, Louis Fontaine, of Sidney, David Woodard and wife, Cecille Woodard, of Plymouth, Stephen Woodard of Hampden and Rebecca Woodard-Inman and husband, Richard Inman, of Hermon; seven grandchildren, Michael Woodard, Jason Woodard, Joseph Woodard, Adam Woodard, Justin Woodard, Michelle Fontaine and Joshua Woodard; sisters, Marguerite Haskell of Carmel and Marie Reed and husband, Pastor Gilbert Reed, of Carmel; nephews and nieces, Bob Haskell, Elaine (Haskell) Tullis, Tom Reed and wife, Paula, Patty (Haskell) White and husband, Allen, Terry Reed, and Jim Haskell and wife, Donna; special friends, Lynne and Paul Speed and Sharon and Dean Briggs; special nurse and friend, Quincy; five great-grandchildren; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. The family extends great appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Heather Evans and the providers at St. Joseph Hospital, Westgate Manor, Gentiva Home Healthcare and New Hope Hospice for their loving care during Marilyn’s last months and days.
A funeral service honoring Marilyn’s life will be held 1 p.m. Friday, June 28, at South Levant Baptist Church, Horseback Road, Levant, with interment and graveside services afterward at North Carmel Cemetery, Horseback Road, Carmel, to be officiated by Pastor Elaine Tullis. A gathering of family and friends with refreshments will be held immediately after burial at South Levant Baptist Church. Gifts in Marilyn’s memory may be sent to South Levant Baptist Church, 784 Horseback Road, Levant, ME 04456. A service of Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor.
Marilyn Ella (Thompson) Woodard
