Marilyn Eva Benjamin Betts of Laconia, NH, formally Bradford, VT went to heaven on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Jack Bryne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care in Lebanon, NH.  Marilyn Eva was born in Bradford on October 5, 1932 in a log cabin built by her parents, Lawrence J and Catherine (Blake) Benjamin and Grandfather Lewis Fred Blake.  The little cabin is where three of the Benjamin family was born is the cornerstone of a song written and sung by her Brother Robert Sr., "Where the River Starts to Wind".

While growing up in Bradford, Marilyn discovered her love of music and began singing with the church choir and then took piano lessons from Ms. Katrina Munn.  At Bradford Academy Marilyn marched with the school band as a majorette.  She competed in many musical competitions including the All-State Music Festival several times.  She graduated from BA in 1950.

On June 24, 1950, she married Gordon D. Hodge in Bradford and they had one son, Jeffrey D. Hodge.   Marilyn continued her musical journey by singing in the North Country Chorus.  Determined to follow her dreams, Marilyn graduated from Lyndon State College in 1961 with a teaching degree in Music.  In addition, she studied at the  New England Conservatory of Music, Boston University, The University of Rhode Island, University of Vermont, University of Harford (CT) , and the Kodaly Musical Training Institute.

As a public school music teacher starting in Ashburnham and Greenfield Junior High in MA, Haverhill Academy, Hanover, and Keene, NH, Fairlee and Thetford Academy, VT.  Marilyn created "The Challenger Band" with students from the Upper Valley presenting a number of concerts during both the school year and summers.  Some of her Choral concerts were a local highlight with participants of over 350 students.

After a divorce, Marilyn continued her career and married David Charles Betts of Thetford, VT on July 26, 1968.  In Danvers and Peabody, MA, she had her own studio, "The Magic Voice".  Here she created a non-profit organization, "Little Singers of Greater Boston".  These young singers were invited to perform all around the Boston area.  Her belief was that it was important to start young and learn how to use your voice as a musical instrument and share it with as many as possible.

During this time, Marilyn was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Marilyn shared her talent with her church at various times serving as Choir Director, Soloist, Choir Member, Pianist, Children's Choir Director (perhaps her favorite),  Visiting Teacher, and Gospel Doctrine Teacher.

In her retirement years, Marilyn continued her love of teaching by substituting in the Laconia NH school system, while working full-time at Gilford's Home Goods Store.

She was predeceased by her parents; Lawrence and Catherine Benjamin, step-mother Hazel Donnelly Benjamin.  Survivors include:  Jeffrey G. Hodge of Laconia, NH, Grandchildren Justin Neher of Gilbert, AZ,  Chantel Bourdon of Laconia, NH and Jadelyn Hodge of Lynn, MA, five great children, many nieces and nephews who were very close to their Aunt Marilyn, a sister Carilyn Benjamin Colby of Newport, VT and brothers Robert Sr. and David Benjamin of Bradford, VT.

Funeral services will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, February 16 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint located at 1242 Old North Main Street in Laconia, NH.