Marilyn Eckert Cleanthes

DOVER—Marilyn Eckert Cleanthes, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, died on Sunday, November 23.
Marilyn was born in Long Island, NY, on November 2, 1943, and spent much of her childhood in Florida. In 1963, she married John George Cleanthes, and together they built a beautiful family and life in Sarasota, FL.
Marilyn leaves behind her three sons, Johnny, Jeffrey, and Jason; her two grandchildren, Kylie and Juniper; her daughters-in-law Kit and Kait; and her son-in-law, Jere. She was deeply proud of her family and loved them with her whole heart.
Marilyn was a dedicated and involved mother. She spent countless hours supporting her children’s sports teams and served as a den mother for the Cub Scouts. When the family later moved from Florida to New York, they discovered a shared love of skiing and golfing. Marilyn embraced both with enthusiasm. In 1975, the family rented their first home at Mount Snow and fell in love with the area. The next year they built their own home there. From 1975 to 1983 the family spent nearly every weekend skiing at Mount Snow and making treasured memories together.
Marilyn was a passionate and talented athlete. She was an avid skier and an accomplished golfer, earning club championships at several courses in Westchester County, NY. She was also a skilled bowler and won many championships throughout her life. Her competitive spirit was matched by the warmth and kindness she showed to everyone around her.
Later in life Marilyn moved to Vermont permanently and worked at Mount Snow as the assistant to Chris Diamond. She played an important role in the early development of the Valley Trail, a project that remains meaningful to the community today. She made her home in Wardsboro for several years, building friendships and enjoying her time playing Bingo.
Marilyn eventually moved to Florida to care for her parents, even as she faced her own health challenges. After being diagnosed with a large brain tumor, she bravely underwent surgery and worked tirelessly to relearn how to walk, speak, and eat. Her determination fueled her recovery, and she returned to golf, the sport that always brought her joy and strength.
When her health improved, Marilyn moved back to Vermont to be closer to her family. She loved her beloved granddaughters, who were her pride and joy, and nothing made her happier than watching them grow. She remained in Vermont for the rest of her days.
Marilyn’s life was filled with adventure, resilience, and love. Marilyn was well known for her quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor, which brought laughter to so many moments. She touched the lives of many, and her strength and generous spirit will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Marilyn’s memory to the Windham County Humane Society, an organization she cared deeply about.
On Saturday, December 13, there will be an informal celebration of life at Haystack Golf Course from 11 am to 1 pm.