The Rev. Marlyn M. Neary

COLUMBIA – Marlyn M. Neary, 76, of Columbia, walked softly into the Light in the early hours of Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, at The Morrison Nursing Home in Whitefield, N.H. Marlyn was born Sept. 5, 1946, in Barton, Vt., to the late Percy and Eva (Brow) Mason. After the birth of her two younger brothers, her family ended up settling in Norththumberland Village where she attended Groveton schools until her graduation. In February of 1967, she married William H. Neary at St. Francis Xavier Church in Groveton, and they began an adventure that lasted just shy of fifty-two years. For the first 19 years of her marriage, Marlyn was a devoted wife and mother. She was also a second mother to a number of her children's friends and always welcomed them into the family home. Upon her husband's retirement from the Army in 1986, the family made their home in Colebrook. With her son graduated and in the Marine Corps, and her daughter in high school, Marlyn found employment at The First Colebrook Bank where she worked for several years. Throughout her life Marlyn leaned on her faith to help her get through the trials she was presented. With each new duty station came a new church for her to find a role, whether it be on the altar guild or as a lay reader. After having been in Colebrook for some years, Marlyn felt the calling to serve the Lord in a different way and so began her journey to become an ordained priest within the Episcopal Church. In March of 1998, Marlyn became an ordained deacon and in September of the same year she was ordained a priest, serving her community at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Along with her beloved husband, who she lost in 2019, Marlyn was predeceased by her son in 2021, as well as an older sister, Joyce L. (Mason) Lamontagne. She leaves behind her daughter Cheryl (and fiancé Robert Normandin) and her beloved Foxie; her two younger brothers, Armand (Neva) Mason of Missouri, and Paul (Lynn) Mason of Groveton; her husband's siblings and their spouses; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces,and great-nephews. There are no public calling hours. A memorial and Eucharistic service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Colebrook, concelebrated with Bishop Robert Hirschfeld and the local Episcopal clergy. A graveside committal will immediately follow in the Colebrook Village Cemetery. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

The Rev. Marlyn M. Neary

September 5, 1946 - August 25, 2023