Marilyn Kathryn Lehane

Marilyn Kathryn (Nitchie) Lehane, 90, of Swanzey, NH died on August 2nd, 2024, at the Jack Byrne Center, Lebanon NH. She died of an infection brought on by injuries and subsequent surgeries required after an unfortunate fall in her home.
She was born a daughter to Mary (Decolati) and Clifford Walter Nitchie, both now deceased, on April 20, 1934, in Waukegan, IL. She was raised mainly in Connecticut, where she enjoyed and excelled in school and recreational activities such as horseback riding. After graduation from her local high school, she attended Bay Path University in Longmeadow, MA where she obtained her bachelor's degree in business in 1954. After a trip to Europe, on the Queen Elizabeth II, she returned and hoped to enter the U S Air Force, but was deterred by her parent's disapproval. In 1958, Marilyn exchanged marriage vows with the love of her life, Edward Stephen Lehane. They had three sons and lived locally. She and her husband were active in church choir for many years. Edward has since predeceased her.
Marilyn was clear minded and alert to the last – she was a happy individual who enjoyed family life. She had a quick wit and lively sense of humor. Her interest in the arts ranged from handcrafts to fine art. She worked with her husband Edward in his printing business and managed the sales and client calls, as well as helping with other aspects of the business. They started a specialty printing business with a partnership in Udaipur, India, called Mariajju Exports, in the early 2000s. She traveled there to represent the local part of the business, called Marigraphics. The company produced unique handmade or hand finished fashions in womens' clothing and jewelry.
Marilyn's other interests included cooking and needlework, especially in knitting and crochet. She loved a good joke and was very sociable. Her father was known for his jokes too. She often told the story of her father, who was a traveling salesman, and the family dog. He had trained the dog to stare at guests during dinner. When the guest became uncomfortable, and asked why the dog stared so, Cliff explained, "Well, you are eating out of his bowl!"
More recently, Marilyn knitted and donated many custom cat blankets for the local humane society. She was especially proud of these, since they fitted the cages exactly and cut down on staff work. One of her ideals was to be of service to others, and she enjoyed knowing the animals and staff benefited from her handiwork.
Marilyn is survived by her sons Kevin Edward Lehane and Michael Lawford Lehane, her grandchildren Michael Lehane, Austin Lehane, Caitlyn Brown and her husband Colm, Eli Lehane, her great grandchildren Kingsley and Chelsea, and her loving friend Jeanette York of Swanzey. Marilyn was predeceased by her parents Mary (DeColati) and Clifford Walter Nitchie, her husband Edward Stephen Lehane, and her son Brian Stephen Lehane.
Memorial donations can be made to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care at 154 Hitchcock Loop Road, Lebanon, NH 03766.
All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.