Marilyn "Lynne" G. Colliton

Marilyn “Lynne” G. (Roesch) Colliton, 93, a longtime resident of Bedford, Massachusetts, passed away  peacefully on March 4, 2026. 

Born and raised in Albany, New York, she was the daughter of the late Albert C. and  Helen (Denahan) Roesch. Marilyn attended the College of Saint Rose, where she  earned her Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1954, studying early childhood  education and art. 

Shortly after graduating from college, Marilyn married her beloved husband, Ronald  Colliton. In the early years of their marriage, the couple moved frequently due to  Ronald’s service in the United States Air Force, and later as an engineer in the defense  industry. They lived in California, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania before eventually  settling in Bedford. Marilyn became a devoted member of the Bedford community and  remained a resident for 60 years. For over 20 years, Marilyn and Ronald also enjoyed their oceanfront vacation home in Florida.  

She loved living in Bedford and enjoyed many of the town’s traditions and gatherings.  She especially looked forward to visiting the Christmas Craft Fairs at St. Michael  church, attending Bedford Day, and spending time at events on the town common.  Marilyn was also a longtime member of St. Michael Parish.  

Marilyn was creative and artistic, with a love for dramatic and bold interior design, and a  passion for glamour. She decorated both of her residences in her unique style. Friends  and family will always remember her for her deep love of the color purple which she  incorporated into all aspects of her life. 

She was an avid gardener, and her hobbies included flower arranging, painting, and  sketching. 

She is predeceased by her husband, Ronald Colliton, and by her sister, Rosemarie  Roesch. 

Marilyn is survived by her children and their spouses, Terry Colliton and Xiaoqing Qi of  Acton; Valerie J. Colliton and Patricia M. Gooding of Cohasset; and Kimberly A. Oakes  and Kevin M. of Seattle. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Nicholas,  Truman, Ashley, and Audrey.  

Her funeral service will be held at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Road, Bedford,  on Monday, March 9, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Shawsheen Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bedford Santa, P.O. Box 797,  Bedford, MA 01730.