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MARLBOROUGH, Mass. - Marion Louise (Congdon) Taft, a longtime resident of Marlborough, died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday evening, August 12, 2012.
Marion leaves behind her niece, Priscilla (Congdon) Koopman of Northbridge; her two grandnieces, Dawn Lefrancois of Uxbridge and Shelby Taylor of Parkman, ME; one grandnephew, Jeff Koopman of Northbridge; seven great-grand nieces and nephews, Deanna, Daniel, Sarah, Anika, Ted, Carleigh, and Isla; and her sister-in-law, Helen (Taft) Congdon of Mendon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Taft; her sister, Eleanor (Congdon) Allen; her brother, Robert Congdon; and a niece, Marjorie Congdon. In addition, Mrs. Taft leaves behind many very good friends and former students, many of whom kept in touch with her regularly until the time of her death.
Marion was born on March 4, 1920, the youngest daughter of the late Charles and Annie (Phillips) Congdon of Hopedale. She attended the Hopedale Public School system prior to earning her teaching degree in 1942 from the State Teacher’s College at Framingham. For several years thereafter Marion worked as an instructor, librarian, and drama coach for the Fairhaven and Greenfield Public School districts. In September 1965, she married Robert and moved to Marlborough where she served 18 years as Marlborough High’s school librarian, retiring in 1983. Many will also remember Marion’s quick smile and friendly laugh as she worked the family fruit stand at Taft Orchards in Mendon.
In addition to a passion for knowledge and the arts, Marion enjoyed travel, golf, tending to her apple trees and blueberry bushes and most importantly, getting together with her family and friends. Until recent events prevented her from doing so, Marion devoted countless hours visiting those in hospitals and nursing homes.
Marion was a lifelong member of the Hopedale Unitarian Church, a member of the Hopedale High Alumni, the National Education Association, and Retired Teachers Association.
At her request, following a private committal service, Marion has been laid to rest beside her husband in the Swandale Cemetery, Mendon. A Celebration of Marion’s life with a time for remembering, sharing, and fellowship to which all are invited, will be held on Sunday, August 26, 2012, at 1 p.m., in the Goss Hall of the Unitarian Universalist Church, 13 Maple Street, Mendon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Marion’s name to the Milford Humane Society, 289 West Street, Milford, MA 01757, or to a charity of your choice.
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