Marilyn Allaire

Marilyn Allaire, 91, of Bristol, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025 at her home in Bristol, surrounded by her children. Born on April 1, 1934 in Bristol, CT, she was a daughter of the late Paul and Agnes (Ford) Allaire. A Bristol native, Marilyn grew up on Oakland Street cherished by her grandmother Mimi, her parents, and her older sisters Jeannette and Shirley. She attended T.H. Patterson grammar school and graduated from Bristol High School class of 1952. Bright and engaging, her classmates voted her the "Typical Senior". Additionally, she was involved in the Athletics Association fostering a lifelong love of sports beginning as Co-captain of the Cheerleading Squad, participating in Swim Club and Volleyball. Marilyn devoted her life to making a loving home for her five children. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph's Church, and brought her strong faith to the center of her family. She served as a Girl Scout leader and Den Mother when the children were young. She retired from the UConn Health Center and the City of Bristol after a career in social services. Serving her community as she did her family, she volunteered in the office at Shepard Meadows Equestrian Center and was active with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to the elderly. She supported B.A.R.K. and was a volunteer coach with the Special Olympics cycling and cross-country ski teams. She loved Bristol. Always an athlete, Marilyn enjoyed many sports- she played golf, tennis, cycled in Europe and Nova Scotia with friends and family, and skied throughout the Northeast. She especially loved cheering on her UConn women's basketball team. Her natural backyard was her true oasis; she spent time gardening, birdwatching, and particularly enjoyed the bears as they wandered through her woods. Marilyn is survived by her son Robert Borkowski, Jr. of Burlington, CT; her four daughters Susan Borkowski-McCullough of Bristol, CT, Gail Ericson and husband Bernie of Bristol, CT, Betsy Borkowski and husband Steve Unwin of Niantic, CT, and Christine Dixon and husband Bob of East Lyme, CT; her sister Shirley Dubay of Worcester, MA; ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Marilyn was predeceased by her sister Jan Geist and her daughter-in-law Sallie Borkowski. A funeral mass will be held Friday, September 5th, at 10am, at St. Joseph Church, 33 Queen St., Bristol. Calling hours will be held Thursday, September 4th, from 6-8pm at DuPont Funeral Home, 25 Bellevue Ave., Bristol. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bristol Special Olympics by visiting www.bristolspecialolympics.org/donate.