Marian P. Thayer

Marian P. Thayer, 95, of Coventry, CT, formerly of Middlefield, passed away peacefully at home on February 7, 2026, with her daughter Bridget by her side. For the past eight years, Marian made her home with Bridget, surrounded by love, family, friends and the comfort of familiar faces.

Born on March 13, 1930, in Nashua, New Hampshire, Marian was the daughter of Edward G. Philbrick and Gertrude (Messer) Philbrick. She spent her early childhood in New Hampshire before moving to Connecticut at the age of nine- the state she would proudly call home for most of her life.

At just 13 years old, Marian's lifelong faith journey began at Middlefield Federated Church when she joined the Youth Fellowship. Her church became the cornerstone of her life. Over the years, she served in many capacities, including Sunday School Superintendent and Chairman of the Official Board. Her steady faith, warm presence and quiet leadership left a lasting mark on her church family.

During her high school years, Marian met her beloved husband, Barnard B. Thayer. They were married in June of 1947 and began their life together on the Thayer family farm in Middlefield. There they raised five children and built a home filled with love, hard work, laughter and deep family roots. Marian often said those years on the farm were the very best of her life.

A woman of strong convictions and generous spirit, Marian was deeply involved in the Middlefield community. She dedicated many years to local politics, serving in numerous roles within the Democratic Party. She valued civic engagement and treasured the friendships she formed through her work. After moving from the farm, she began working outside the home in the insurance and healthcare industries, where her reliability and warmth were appreciated by colleagues and clients alike.

Marian was predeceased by her husband, Barnard; her parents; her parents-in-law, Julian B. Thayer and Anna (Strickland) Thayer; her siblings Clyde Philbrick; Doris (Philbrick) Laplant; Eleanor (Philbrick) Chase; and her sisters-in-law, Polly (Thayer) Felici, Priscilla (Thayer) Jones Roady, and Mary (Thayer) Wibberly.

She leaves behind her loving children, Evelyn Thayer-Hight, Julian B. Thayer II, Mark Thayer, Bridget Thayer Melien and Wesley Thayer, along with their spouses. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Julianna (Thayer) Lunetta, nine cherished grandchildren, thirteen adored great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her tremendous pride and joy; and many nieces and nephews.

Marian will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her deep love of family, her commitment to community and her gentle strength. She found joy in simple pleasures, especially when surrounded by those she loved.

A service of farewell will be held in the spring, when the flowers she so dearly loved are in bloom. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Book of Remembrance of Middlefield Federated Church or to the Levi Coe Library.