Colrain, MA – Marion H. Stafford, 100 years old, lifetime resident and oldest citizen of Colrain, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on January 7th surrounded by her family.
Marion was born on July 30th, 1925 as the only child to Charles and Eliza (Matthews) Lusty. She graduated from Arms Academy (1943) and Springfield Hospital School of Nursing (1946) where she was also in the Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII. Throughout her 45-year nursing career she cared for children as a pediatric nurse at Franklin County Public Hospital, balanced various nursing roles while raising her young family, and later became the Director of Nursing at Anchorage Nursing Home where her compassion and leadership touched countless lives.
She married Clinton W. Stafford in 1945, and together they ran a construction company for over 25 years. Following Clinton’s untimely death in 1981, Marion continued to successfully run the business with trusted colleague, Don Brown. With an unwavering work ethic, she held multiple jobs at the same time while proudly raising her four daughters.
Marion was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, nurse, gardener, and historian who will be deeply missed by so many. She was predeceased by her husband, Clinton, eldest daughter, Sharon, and great-granddaughter, Danielle Hoskins. She leaves behind daughters Deborah (Harold) Wheeler, Jennifer (Jim) Ryan, and Sarah Alber; 6 grandchildren Pamela (Sam) Clark, Angela (Michael) Dutton, Andrew (Shanna) Wheeler, Nick Ryan, Casey Ryan, and Jordan Alber; and 4 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Marion’s remarkable memory and depth of knowledge made her an accurate and beloved historian and storyteller. Known for her photographic memory, she enjoyed sharing with other locals her deep-rooted love for Colrain and many of their family’s history. Marion’s love of New England landscapes inspired her to collect paintings by regional artists depicting the beauty of the Connecticut River Valley. She was active for many years as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Colrain Historical Society, Trinity Church, American Iris Society, and American Primrose Society.
If her phone rang without reply, it was no mystery she was either lost in the serenity of her flourishing gardens or caught up in the thrill of an NFL showdown or a NASCAR race. A good card game of pitch with her family, a game of scrabble, or a vacation puzzle brought out the best of her competitive spirit. As a lifelong learner and voracious reader, she could engage in conversation on nearly any topic and was always intrigued by subjects unfamiliar to her.
As a worldwide traveler she was even mistaken for a tour guide in Scotland – a testament to the preparation she put into every trip, often taking community college classes and reading extensively about her destinations beforehand. Though she was able to travel the world into her late 80s, she loved vacationing in Maine in her 90s where she had spent time as a young child.
Among her many passions, this strong and independent woman valued her family above all else. She will be remembered and celebrated for a century of love, resilience, and devotion.
Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church St, Shelburne Falls, MA is in charge of arrangements. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday 1/13 5:30-7:00pm and Wednesday 1/14 1:00-2:00pm followed by a service at 2:00pm. Burial will be in the Spring. You can honor Marion by sending flowers to Smith-Kelleher or by making a donation in Marion’s memory to the Colrain Historical Society, PO Box 45, Colrain, MA 01340 or Arcana Order of The Eastern Star, 215 Monson St., Greenfield, MA 01301.
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