Marilyn E. McNee

Marilyn E. McNee, formerly Bombardier, 81, a lifelong resident of Fairfield, passed away at home on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Born on July 2, 1944, she was the beloved daughter of the late James and Mary (Bradley) McNee. She shared 32 years of marriage with the late George J. Bombardier. Marilyn attended Fairfield public schools and Roger Ludlowe High School. She grew up on Fairfield Beach alongside her cousin Roe, creating cherished memories by the shore that she carried with her throughout her life.

Marilyn built a long and meaningful career defined by service, leadership, and dedication to her community. She began as a switchboard operator at Hall-Brooke Hospital in Westport and Bridgeport, where she was often the calm and reassuring voice connecting patients, families, and staff.

An entrepreneur at heart, Marilyn owned and operated ME Message Center for 25 years, earning a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and personal care. She later served as Executive Director of the Fairfield Housing Authority, where she worked tirelessly to support residents and strengthen the community she loved. She also spent many years as a dispatcher for local towing companies, a role that reflected her steady demeanor and willingness to help others in times of need.

Marilyn's greatest joy was her family and the time she spent with friends; most often gathered around a meal. She loved the beach, daily phone conversations catching up with those she cared about, and her yearly visit to Aunt Carrie's in Narragansett, Rhode Island with her longtime friend, Paul Mathewson. She had a fondness for carrot cake and sunflowers, simple pleasures that brought her happiness. In her retirement years, she devoted time to compiling family photographs and preserving her family's history - a reflection of how deeply she treasured her roots and the generations who came before and after her.

Marilyn was most proud of her family. She is survived by her five children: Patricia Morales, Maureen Schlag, Diane Wilson-Gates, James Bombardier, and Allison Gurge. She also leaves behind her ten beloved grandchildren: Jennifer Miller, Theresa Nagy, Michael Morales, Christina Miller, Ariela Teixeira, Victoria Gurge, Juliann Subtil, Estefan "Pica" Morales, Sierra Sloan, and Pedro Morales, as well as fifteen cherished great-grandchildren. She has recently enjoyed renewed contact with nieces, who held a special place her heart.

She is now reunited in heaven with her best friend, Lynne Daley. Marilyn will be remembered for her strength, loyalty, dedication to her work, and deep love for her family and her hometown. Her presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Friends and are invited to greet her family on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Road, Fairfield. A burial ceremony will be held on Friday February 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Cemetery, Mill Plain Road in Fairfield, for anyone who would like to attend.