Marilyn Pauline Lukens Wilson passed peacefully on February 20, 2023,

of natural causes with her children by her side at Central Vermont

Medical Center in Berlin, VT. Over the last year, caregivers included

loving care while at her home from Central Vermont Home Health and

Hospice, independent caregivers, Vista Senior Living in Killington, and

Chestnut Place in Berlin.

Marilyn was born on August 16, 1931 in Syracuse, NY to Frank and

Stephanie (Miller) Lukens. She attended Syracuse schools, graduating

from Syracuse High School in 1949. Following this, Marilyn attended

and received a Bachelor of Arts (Home Economics) degree from

Syracuse University in 1953. At Syracuse, she was a member of the ski

club where she met the love of her life, Robert Wilson. Their skiing

adventures, love of the outdoors, and specifically the mountains and

lakes of the Adirondacks, White Mountains, and Green Mountains,

became the focus of their weekend adventures as well as other places

they loved and later shared with their five children.

Marilyn and Bob were married on June 6, 1953. They lived in Warner,

NH for a few years where Marilyn taught Home Economics at Simmons

High School. In 1957, Marilyn and Bob moved the family to Utica, NY

where Bob worked for General Electric Company and Marilyn raised

five children. In 1970, they moved to Montpelier, VT where Marilyn

worked as a regular substitute teacher at both Montpelier and Union

32 High Schools.

Marilyn (and Bob) loved being out in the natural world and frequently

took their family on outings including canoeing, swimming, hiking, and

camping in the Adirondacks and all over northern New England. Marilyn

started running in her 50s and participated in the Central Vermont

Runners Club Tuesday night fun runs, outings with the Green Mountain

Club, bike adventures with the Silver Streakers biking group, and

outside programs with the Appalachian Mountain Club into her 80s.

Much love and fun were shared with all who knew her.

Marilyn completed the entire Long Trail and almost completed the

Catamount Trail working her way through section by section during her

60s and 70s. Her favorite activities were alpine and cross country skiing,

riding her bike with family and friends, and paddling her kayak. Marilyn joyfully sang in church choirs throughout her life.

All five children attended Montpelier schools with three MHS graduates

and two from Burke Mountain Academy. Four children graduated from

Vermont colleges or universities, and one from the University of

Connecticut. Marilyn had a genuine spirit of kindness, authenticity, friendship, and love.

She found so much joy in her family and in her connections with many friends and acquaintances.

Marilyn is survived by her children Caroline Newhall (Dan) of

Websterville, VT; Rodney Wilson (Clare) of Conway, NH; Eric Wilson

(Karen) of Kirby, VT; Andrea Solomon (Peter) of Cromwell, CT; and

Laura Todd of Hailey, ID. There are nine grandchildren, five great-

grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Marilyn was pre-

deceased by her husband Bob, her brother Bob Lukens, sister Betty

Behler, her granddaughter Moriah Wilson and great grandson

Jibrael Razzaq.

A private family service will take place this summer. In Marilyn's

memory, donations can be sent to the Green Mountain Club, 4711

Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677.