Marion Blodget

1930 - 2022

Marion Blodgett

Hanover, NH - Marion Fitzgerald Eastman Blodgett, born April 10, 1930, died on December 2, 2022, at Kendal of Hanover under the loving care of the staff and her family after a long period of cognitive decline. Through it all she kept her gentle, sweet disposition and wonderful smile.

She was the seventh of eight children of Ernest and Hazel Fitzgerald, growing up in Norwich, VT in a household filled with love, laughter, and music. She attended Marion Cross School and Hanover High School, where she met her future husband, Roger Grant Eastman. She graduated in 1948 and was named into the Athletic Hall of Fame at HHS in 1979. She attended Newton Wellesley School of Nursing for one year and then returned to Hanover to marry Roger in 1949.

Marion and "Rog" raised their five daughters and built a wonderful life together, golfing at Hanover Country Club, playing tennis, skiing, teaching for the Ford Sayre Ski Program, and volunteering for various organizations. Marion enjoyed working as biology lab technician for Gus DeMaggio, cooking meals for many, and tending to colorful gardens.

Roger died suddenly while skiing at Wildcat in the winter of 1978. With love and support from family and friends, Marion slowly put her life back together.

She married Putnam Blodgett in 1980. They built their dream home on a hilltop in Lyme Center where Marion relished living in the woods, paddling on Pout Pond, and watching the wildlife that passed by her window.

Marion was born an artist and was always sketching and painting, even as a child. As her children grew up, she was able to pursue her lifelong passion for art using watercolors, oils, and pastels, much of it reflecting her love of nature. In her studio at the house on the hill, she spent many contented and creative hours covered in pastel dust, with paintings at various stages of development thumbtacked to the walls.

Marion was predeceased by her father, Ernest Fitzgerald, mother Hazel Marshall Fitzgerald; brothers Marshall, William, and Robert; sisters Janet Bomhower, Hazel Hickson, and June Hodges; and her husbands Roger Eastman and Putnam Blodgett. She is survived by sister, dearest friend, and confidante Ann Henderson (and husband Pete) of Hanover, NH.

She is also survived by daughters Sandra Price and husband John of Bradford, VT; Wendy Harris and husband Chip of Center Harbor, NH; Nancy Horton and husband Jamie, of Etna, NH; Ann Young of Rye, NH; Libby Sullivan and husband Matthew of Anacortes, WA; stepchildren Peter Blodgett and wife Ruth Mayer of Thetford, VT; Susan Whitcomb of Hanover, NH; Boo Blodgett and wife Shelley of Bradford, VT; and Patience Grant of Missoula, MT. Marion also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

"I would rather have a pine cone than a diamond ring," Marion said.

Take a walk in the woods, admire a sunset, contemplate a piece of art, and hug the ones you love in her honor.

Contributions in Marion Fitzgerald Eastman Blodgett's memory can be sent to:

The Kilham Bear Center, C/O Ben Kilham, P.O. Box 37, Lyme, NH 03768 or to Ford K. Sayre Memorial Ski Council, P. O. Box 471, Hanover, NH 03755.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

The Rand Wilson Funeral Home in Hanover is assisting the family. An on-line guestbook can be found at rand-wilson.com