Marilyn Lee (MacFawn) Buckner, 68, of Marshfield, Massachusetts, died from pancreatic cancer, at home with her family, on Thursday, August 25, 2016.


Marilyn was a native New Englander, born in Boston, raised in Weymouth, and a resident of Marshfield since 1972; save the 6 years that she and her family lived in Geneva, Switzerland.


In the early 1970s Marilyn began her life-long effort to be an active member of her community by getting involved in many local programs and organizations including Project Friend, Food and Baby-sitting Co-ops, and the YWCA.

Not willing to sit idly while in Europe, she became active in community theatre, formed a Brownie troupe and flaunted protocol by openly boycotting Nestlé's activities in Third-World countries at the time.

Upon returning to Marshfield, Marilyn resumed her volunteering and went to work for CAP International, then started her own business, eventually becoming a business analyst at Brigham & Women's Hospital.

For many years she offered her time to Sowing Seeds, driving people to medical appointments, and was a strong supporter and volunteer at the Marshfield Food Pantry, helping people whenever possible.

She served on the board of The Cultural Council (Chair), The Community League and Seaside Gardeners as well as the MA/NH chapter of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, which she chaired for 8 years until she led the establishment of a successor non-profit organization, the Myasthenia Gravis Association of New England.

Marilyn jumped at any opportunity to help someone in need, and treasured her time with her close friends, traveling both regionally and abroad, and visiting art museums, galleries and festivals promoting the Arts. She loved her gardens and promoted eating locally-grown, freshly-prepared foods to anyone who would listen, and was frequently seen at both the Marshfield and Plymouth Farmer’s Markets.


Marilyn is survived by her husband of 48 years Jim Buckner of Marshfield, her two daughters Angeline Graham of Marshfield, & Melissa Buckner of Cary, NC, her two beloved grandsons Nathan & Calvin Graham of Marshfield, as well as her brother and sister-in-law Robert & Carol MacFawn of Lewes, DE, her in-laws Mary & Karl Bolstad of Lexington, NC, and Bill & Lisa Buckner of Morgan Hill, CA, and many dear nieces & nephews. She also leaves a network of close friends who were of great support to her during her illness and who continue to be invaluable to her family.


She is pre-deceased by her parents, Edward W. & Florence L. MacFawn of Sandwich and Hingham, MA respectively, her brother Edward T. MacFawn, of Sunset Beach, NC, and her brother and sister-in-law Paul & Linda MacFawn of Campton, NH.


In accordance with her wishes, family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of her life at the Thurber Barn, located at the YWCA 76 Ferry Hill Rd, Marshfield, MA 02050 on Saturday, September 24 from 4PM – 7PM. More information on the event will be made available, please contact mbuckner@verizon.net for details.