Marilyn E. Pheasant

Marilyn E. Pheasant Marilyn, daughter of Chester and Hattie (Spear) Smith continued her journey on April 19th, passing peacefully at Watson Fields where she had lived during the last year. Marilyn was born in Stoughton, MA in 1930. and lived there until she studied nursing at Mass. General Hospital in Boston earning a RN degree. Soon after, while still in Boston, she met and married David Pheasant, from Winthrop, to whom she was married for 53 years. David passed in 2005. After living in Derry, NH for a few years and having their first child, Lynda, they moved to a new home in Rochester, and their second child Gary, was soon born. Heidi and Sandy would be born to the Pheasant family over the next six years. Vacations and trips while the kids were growing up often included camping and were mostly along the eastern part of the US and Canada. Traveling was a big part of her life. Marilyn and Dave visited Hawaii four times (Marilyn's favorite place), Europe, England, Ireland and many places in the US including Alaska. With friends they enjoyed Elder Hostel trips around the country where they would attend classes to learn about the area and have many sightseeing adventures. Marilyn and Dave enjoyed square dancing, supper clubs, and bridge games with friends. Marilyn also was involved with bridge clubs for many years. She and Dave used to like playing games each evening at home, too. For several years in the early 70's she and Dave owned a little country grocery store in Rochester "Pheasant's Store" on Horse Hill. They were active in the UNH Docent program for many years. Marilyn took part in many "Day of the Coast" presentations in area elementary schools where she taught some basics of "what lives in the ocean".  They also joined in with the Docent Chanty Singers, singing old sea chantey songs, and performing around the seacoast in various venues including nursing homes, schools, and on the docks and boats. Marilyn and Dave spent many, many enjoyable hours watching their children and then their grandchildren in all of their school, dance, and sporting activities. They traveled hours for games, races, tournaments and presentations, and were always great supportive fans! Marilyn was very active in church work at the Dover First Church of Christ, Scientist, where she's had many special friends. After studying Christian Science for a number of years, she went back to a CS nurses training program in Boston in the late 70's and became a Christian Science nurse.  She attended many births and assisted the new moms getting settled with their newborns. She also had many clients throughout the state of NH that she would visit through the CS Nursing Service. Marilyn enjoyed playing the organ and painting. She liked being ahead of the curve with technology, and gained and used her computer skills for volunteer work. Family was always very important to Marilyn and she planned gatherings of the large extended family, including Christmas Eve celebrations and summer reunion parties which have become wonderful annual traditions. Lynda (Mike) Morgan,  Gary(Anne) Pheasant, Heidi (Rich) Leighton, Sandy (Richard) Gould  blessed Marilyn and Dave with 9 grandchildren, Garrett & Melanie, Sara & Katie, Carrie, Elizabeth, Zach & Carley, David, who then blessed them with 14 great grandchildren. This large family was a joy to Marilyn. Her life was celebrated with a family gathering and sharing of memories at the Governor's Inn on April 22nd.