Marilyn J. Ouellette

Marilyn J. Ouellette, a former nurse in the Dudley Coe infirmary, died on December 11, 2018, in Brunswick, Maine.

(The following was published in the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on December 14, 2018):

Marilyn J. Ouellette died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, in Brunswick. She was born 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 Dec. 31, 1960, Marilyn was married in Brunswick to 2nd Lt. William R. Ouellette, following his graduation and commission from the US Air Force Academy. For the next twelve years, she accompanied Bill during assignments at Craig AFB, Alabama; Loring AFB, Maine; the US 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 1975-1998, 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 heath care professional.

Marilyn truly enjoyed a lifelong love of the outdoors and travel. Together with Bill, they visited most of the 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 Theater 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 lifelong friends, or introduce herself to new ones. She truly loved hearing peoples’ 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, Mass.; 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, Mass.; 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.

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