Marilyn T. (Tufts) Gorton

Marilyn T. Gorton, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Lane W. Gorton of Bennington, NH; her son, Jeffrey Gorton of Bennington, NH and Samantha Gorton of Goffstown, NH; her daughters: Deborah Nielsen and her husband, Norman of Stow, MA and Cynthia Canavan and her late husband Kenneth of Clinton, MA; her grandchildren Elijah Gorton of Plattsburgh, NY, Alexia Gorton and Caleb Gorton both of Goffstown, NH, Lars Nielsen and his wife Bethany of Berlin, MA, Heidi Nielsen of Northborough, MA, Sonja Nielsen of Stow, MA, Mike Canavan of San Francisco, CA, Rebecca Canavan and her fiancé Robert Rosenbaum of Sharon, MA and Luke Canavan of Clinton, MA; her three great granddaughters: Annabeth, Olivia, and Isla Nielsen of Berlin, MA; her sister Audrey Swanson and her husband Robert of Lexington, MA; her niece Karen Bursaw and her husband Rich of S. Hamilton, MA; her nephew, David Swanson and his wife Lee-Ann of Lexington, MA; her sister-in-law Janice Green and her late husband Dr. Morris Green of CA; along with several more loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Marilyn was raised and educated in Arlington, MA, the daughter of the late Francis H. and Bernice L. Tufts. Following her graduation from Arlington High School, she completed a Certificate of Secretarial Skills. Over the years, Marilyn held various administrative positions, including Assistant Town Clerk for Peterborough, NH. Upon his graduation from Northeastern University in 1957, she married the love of her life, Lane Gorton and they raised three children together. Marilyn would say that of all the roles she played, being a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a gifted homemaker were her absolute favorite! She was very creative and enjoyed craft projects, needlepoint, and cross stitch. Marilyn made personalized ornaments for all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, including one for her newest great granddaughter who was born in February.

Through all the many moves they made, Marilyn made each new place a home. Lane’s and Marilyn’s final home was in Bennington, NH where she was very involved in the Bennington Congregational Church. She loved BCC’s members and she was well loved and prayed for by them. Those who were fortunate to know Marilyn personally, knew that her faith in Jesus Christ was central to every part of her life. Her legacy of faith and love will impact generations to come.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marilyn’s memory to : Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201.