1939 – 2018
BRUNSWICK — Marilyn J. Ouellette, age 79, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, in Brunswick. She was born on March 2, 1939, in Greenville to Charles Woodrow and Athelyne (Roaix) Simpson.
Marilyn moved with her family to the Brunswick area at the age of eight. She was educated in area schools, graduating from Brunswick High School with the class of 1957. Marilyn continued her education at St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Lewiston, graduating and then earning her registered nurse credentials in 1959.
On December 31, 1960, Marilyn was married in Brunswick to 2Lt William R. Ouellette, following his graduation and commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy. For the next 12 years, she accompanied Bill during assignments at Craig AFB, Alabama; Loring AFB, Maine; the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado; and Headquarters Air Force, The Pentagon, Virginia.
Prior to and following Bill’s active duty career, Marilyn worked as a registered nurse at the Brunswick Convalescent Home, Parkview Hospital, and Bowdoin College. From 1975 to 1998, she was the office manager for Brunswick Eye Care Associates, an optometry practice which she helped establish with her husband Dr. Ouellette.
Marilyn was especially proud of having selflessly served her family as a dedicated wife and mother; her country as a military spouse; and the Greater Brunswick community as a registered nurse and health care professional.
Marilyn truly enjoyed a lifelong love of the outdoors and travel. Together with Bill, they visited most of the Lower 48 states, Alaska, the Canadian Maritime provinces, the Yukon, Scotland, Wales, England, Germany and New Zealand. Following Bill’s death in 2001, she later traveled to locations in Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Peru, the Galapagos Islands, and Morocco.
Most notably, Marilyn bravely snorkeled with turtles in the seas surrounding the Galapagos, and daringly rode camels in the Saharan sands of Morocco. She also was an avid biker and hiker, being especially fond of the solitude found hidden along the trails at local Bradbury Mountain in Pownal.
In addition, Marilyn had a passion for many of life’s finer aspects. These included her beloved Mercedes, fashionable clothing, educating herself on current health and nutrition trends, Metropolitan Opera, and attending Maine State Music Theatre performances.
Yet, ever the country girl, she had an affinity for watching Professional Bull Riding on television and for attending the Topsham Fair annually where she enthusiastically cheered on the demolition derby contestants. Socially, Marilyn relished every opportunity to connect with life-long friends, or introduce herself to new ones. She truly loved hearing people’s life stories and getting to know them. This quality afforded her a wide audience of admirers.
Marilyn was predeceased by her husband Dr. William R. Ouellette. She is survived by her children Shelby (Ouellette) Green and her husband Kenneth of Worcester, MA; Brian A. Ouellette and his wife Stacey of Yorktown, VA; and Gary A. Ouellette and his wife Julie Logan of Brunswick, as well as her grandchildren Casey Green and Colin Green, both of Worcester, MA; Meagan (Ouellette) Sutton and her husband Drew of Richmond, VA; Kaitlyn (Ouellette) Martin and her husband Andrew of Harrisonburg, VA; Cameron Ouellette of Yorktown, VA; and Erin Ouellette of Harrisonburg, VA. Additionally, Marilyn is survived by her most dearest, lifelong friend, Dawn (Stimpson) Colburn of Brunswick.
The family wishes to thank the staff of caring professionals at Horizons Rehabilitation and Living Center, and Beacon Hospice whose compassionate love and care for Marilyn, and family, is deeply appreciated.
There will be a remembrance gathering for Marilyn from 2-5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street in Brunswick. She will be interned alongside Bill in the Maine State Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Augusta during a private family ceremony later next year.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marilyn’s name to the Resident Activity Fund at Horizons Rehabilitation and Living Center, 29 Maurice Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011, or to the Mid-Coast Hunger Prevention Program, MCHPP, 12 Tenney Way, Brunswick, ME 04011.
Personal notes of condolence or a shared memory can be also posted at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.
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