Marilyn L. Wilson

Marilyn Pauline Lukens Wilson passed peacefully on February 20, 2023,
of natural causes with her children by her side at Central Vermont
Medical Center in Berlin, VT. Over the last year, caregivers included
loving care while at her home from Central Vermont Home Health and
Hospice, independent caregivers, Vista Senior Living in Killington, and
Chestnut Place in Berlin.
Marilyn was born on August 16, 1931 in Syracuse, NY to Frank and
Stephanie (Miller) Lukens. She attended Syracuse schools, graduating
from Syracuse High School in 1949. Following this, Marilyn attended
and received a Bachelor of Arts (Home Economics) degree from
Syracuse University in 1953. At Syracuse, she was a member of the ski
club where she met the love of her life, Robert Wilson. Their skiing
adventures, love of the outdoors, and specifically the mountains and
lakes of the Adirondacks, White Mountains, and Green Mountains,
became the focus of their weekend adventures as well as other places
they loved and later shared with their five children.
Marilyn and Bob were married on June 6, 1953. They lived in Warner,
NH for a few years where Marilyn taught Home Economics at Simmons
High School. In 1957, Marilyn and Bob moved the family to Utica, NY
where Bob worked for General Electric Company and Marilyn raised
five children. In 1970, they moved to Montpelier, VT where Marilyn
worked as a regular substitute teacher at both Montpelier and Union
32 High Schools.
Marilyn (and Bob) loved being out in the natural world and frequently
took their family on outings including canoeing, swimming, hiking, and
camping in the Adirondacks and all over northern New England. Marilyn
started running in her 50s and participated in the Central Vermont
Runners Club Tuesday night fun runs, outings with the Green Mountain
Club, bike adventures with the Silver Streakers biking group, and
outside programs with the Appalachian Mountain Club into her 80s.
Much love and fun were shared with all who knew her.
Marilyn completed the entire Long Trail and almost completed the
Catamount Trail working her way through section by section during her
60s and 70s. Her favorite activities were alpine and cross country skiing,
riding her bike with family and friends, and paddling her kayak. Marilyn joyfully sang in church choirs throughout her life.
All five children attended Montpelier schools with three MHS graduates
and two from Burke Mountain Academy. Four children graduated from
Vermont colleges or universities, and one from the University of
Connecticut. Marilyn had a genuine spirit of kindness, authenticity, friendship, and love.
She found so much joy in her family and in her connections with many friends and acquaintances.
Marilyn is survived by her children Caroline Newhall (Dan) of
Websterville, VT; Rodney Wilson (Clare) of Conway, NH; Eric Wilson
(Karen) of Kirby, VT; Andrea Solomon (Peter) of Cromwell, CT; and
Laura Todd of Hailey, ID. There are nine grandchildren, five great-
grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Marilyn was pre-
deceased by her husband Bob, her brother Bob Lukens, sister Betty
Behler, her granddaughter Moriah Wilson and great grandson
Jibrael Razzaq.
A private family service will take place this summer. In Marilyn's
memory, donations can be sent to the Green Mountain Club, 4711
Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677.