Marilyn J. Fernald

Marilyn Jean Fernald passed away July 25 th, 2025. Marilyn was born October 8, 1951, in Providence Rhode Island. She was the daughter of Ralph A. Fernald who passed in July 1991 and Lucille M. Fernald who passed in May of 2008, and sister to Sharlyn J. Fernald who passed in October 2010. She is survived by her brother Dennis G. Fernald of Idaho, sister-in-law Annette L. Fernald of Idaho, niece Autumn M. Fernald and nephews Jason and Justin Meengs, many close friends she embraced along her journey, and cousins stemming from the Collins Family from Danville, New Hampshire, and Culligan Families.
Marilyn worked extensively for many years in the legal field specializing in family law, estate planning and trust and estate law. In her early years she worked for Rockingham County in the Registry of Probate Office. Marilyn had a keen eye and attention to detail. Marilyn was a fighter and a breast cancer survivor from the early 2000's. Shortly thereafter, Marilyn began an extremely active lifestyle walking several miles daily mostly around Kenoza Lake in Haverhill, MA. When the weekend came, she was off to the White Mountains for some more challenging and scenic hikes. Marilyn led a very disciplined life after battling cancer including not only exercise but a healthy diet. For those who know her best, she was a strong and determined individual with a can-do attitude. Marilyn excelled in the hiking and joined several "Meet up groups". Marilyn also became a co-leader on these hikes and if you joined one of her hikes you best be prepared with all the proper equipment and don't you dare be late!!
She was a pleasure to hike with and you could always count on a joke or two along the way. After turning 70, Marilyn set out to join the New Hampshire Four-Thousand-Footer Club, which consists of climbing the 48 peaks in New Hampshire White Mountains over 4000 feet. Marilyn stayed focused and accomplished this goal in May of 2024. In the fall of 2024, she was recognized by the Appalachian Mountain Club at their awards ceremony. Marilyn's humor, unmatched work ethic and smile will be missed.
We will celebrate Marilyn's love for nature on a September hike at Mt. Roberts, one of her favorite spots.