Marilyn G. Singer

1928 - 2024

Marilyn G. Singer

Concord, NH - Marilyn G. Singer, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend, and counselor, left this world at the age of 95. She took her peaceful final breath at the dawning of the New Year in the presence of loving family on January 1, 2024. She lived at Havenwood-Heritage Heights in Concord, N.H. since 1999 and brightened the days of countless people with her attentive, intelligent, and friendly interest in each individual she encountered. Since February 2022, Marilyn resided in the Havenwood Health Services Center, courageously soldiering on with wonderful care despite numerous frailties.

Marilyn was born June 13, 1928 in Akron OH, the daughter of Russell R. and Prudell (Joy) Gross. She was a graduate of Indiana University (Bloomington) and received a Masters in Education from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Marilyn married Frank Albert Singer on August 20, 1949, and the couple moved to Amherst, MA where both enjoyed stimulating careers. From 1968-1986 Marilyn pioneered the role of Elementary School Counselor – the first in the Amherst Public School System. Her impact working with children, families, educators, and administrators demonstrated the value of counseling services for this age group, which studies now confirm. Marilyn felt great pride that counselors are now viewed as essential team members in elementary education. After retirement the couple moved to Clarion, PA, continuing their professional activities and winning new friendships. Warm letters of appreciation from former students and colleagues were among her greatest joys.

Marilyn learned to play cards "at her father's knee, or some other low joint," as she loved to recall. She played bridge for over 80 years and she and Frank were formidable partners. She also enjoyed serving as an officer of any organization she ever joined, playing tennis, baking, listening to all kinds of music and singing in the car with her kids.

Marilyn is survived by three daughters and their spouses: Lyn and Klaus Lindpaintner of Concord, Fran and Ken Whitaker of Manchester, and Barbara Singer and Theresa McFerrin of Albuquerque, NM. She also leaves her granddaughters Eva Lindpaintner of Chicago, IL, and Julia Lindpaintner with husband Ioannis Konstantinidis of Pittsburgh, PA, and her great-grandsons Alexandros and Leonidas. Nieces Ellen Packard, Diane Whallon, Shawn Ryan and nephew Russ Gross, their spouses and families, strewn all across the country from Alaska to Florida, were all very important to her too. She leaves countless friends and colleagues, in particular Sidney Schoeffler of Concord, NH and Mary Gillespie of Sellersburg, IN, both dear friends for over 7 decades. Marilyn was pre-deceased by husband Frank, sister Carolyn Gross Whallon, and brother William J. Gross.

Marilyn's family sends special thanks to Havenwood Health Services Center, in particular Catherine Benoit, APRN and every member of the nursing staff and third floor team for their skillful, good-humored, and affectionate care. Cremation arrangements are through the Cremation Society of New Hampshire. Private memorial services are planned. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Community Loan Fund or New Hampshire Public Radio would honor her memory.