MARILYN FALBY STETSON

MARILYN FALBY STETSON - BRISTOL - Marilyn Falby Stetson passed away on Aug. 1, 2012, at her home in Bristol. "My parents, Eleanor Weston and her husband, Sidney Nelson Falby, led an idyllic small town life in Charlotte. I, Marilyn Falby, was born May 25, 1936, and was joined by my twin brothers, Frank and Fred, in 1938. Young brother, Richard, joined this raucous crew in 1947! I was so lucky to have been a child of the '40s, who enjoyed country life, including Nelly, my childhood horse, who became my surrogate 'sister' on my ninth birthday, a day that I never forgot. In Charlotte at the time, after 8th grade, the pupils were tuitioned to other high schools, so I went to Edmunds High School in Burlington when all the Falby's moved to the city. Changing from the 'sticks' to the city was quite traumatic, but I met and loved many new friends before I graduated from high school in 1953. It surely seems that my adult life and true love began with Bob Stetson, a hard-working UVM student I met at Oakledge Manor in Burlington on Lake Champlain the summer that I became a 'frosh' at UVM. This romance endures to this day, even beyond 56 years. Our children and their families have been our lives, our loves and our rocks as we negotiate The Golden Years: Jeff and Mary (Lindy, Jen, and Rob); Sally and Jim Hurlburt (Marissa, Justin and Jeremy); Dave and Sylvia (Kelsey and Danica); Dan and Angela (Megan and Jessica). What a vivacious, spirited, and wonderful addition of grandchildren were blessed to Bob and me! Our Megan and Jessica Stetson are the daughters of Diane Larrow. We are also joined by Bob's sister, Cynthia and her husband, Bob Page, as well as Cynthia's children, Deborah, Mark and Sharon. Their children add to our nephews, nieces and grandniece as well. And then there is my Monkton family, which has continued my support, truly from its onset when I became the third grade teacher in 1971 (at $6,100 per year!). The 27 years teaching in Monkton were happy ones. No town, students, nor staff at that time has ever meant more to me. In these last 14 years, I have leaned on my oncologist, Dr. Paul Unger. His skill and blue eyes (always wearing, at my request, the 'blue' tie or shirt to match the days of my appointment!) were important to me. His staff over the years has been totally awesome. Addison County Home Health and Hospice, with Ann Gibbons and Beth Thibault in particular, have always been by my side. Julia Child, my lymphedema PT 'guru' became my advocate and friend. Cancer may not need to be a death sentence, but yet another journey to find a path to 'wear out, not rust out.' I have always tried to follow that path. In closing, I remember an old family favorite: 'The Lord is good to me And so I thank the Lord For giving me the SUN And the rain and The appleseed. The Lord is good to me.'" A colorful celebration of Marilyn's life will take place on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, at 2 p.m. at the Bristol Federated Church. The family will host a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please bring canned food donations for the Bristol Food Shelf, or make a contribution to Addison County Home Health and Hospice.