Obituary of Marilyn McNab

Marilyn Spear McNab, 86, of Glastonbury, died Friday, April 6, 2012, at Hartford Hospital surrounded by her family and friends after a long illness. Marilyn was born in Port Chester, New York, in 1926, the daughter of the late Helen Hathaway Spear, and Dr. Carleton Southwick Spear. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor's degree in fine arts in 1948, and later graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1967 with a master's degree in education. Marilyn was an art teacher for 24 years in the Glastonbury public school system, and was adored by her students and her work colleagues. Her artistic creations have adorned many publications, including those of First Church of Christ, Congregational, in Glastonbury where she was a faithful and involved member for over 60 years. Additionally, she designed the logo for the Lake Wentworth Association, an organization where she also served as treasurer and membership secretary for many years. She was a lifelong summer resident of Poplar Island on Lake Wentworth, in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, where she leaves many family members, multigenerational friends, and cherished memories. She was actively involved in the planning of the 100th anniversary of Poplar Island in August, 2010 - a celebration that she fondly remembered as one of the most special events of her life. Friends of all ages admired and appreciated her story-telling capabilities. Her penchant for recalling the smallest details about events happening many years in the past amazed us all. Marilyn often entertained many of the children of Poplar Island on her porch, where they would sit mesmerized by her stories of lake life during her childhood. She also was a breakfast "regular" at Katie's Kitchen in Wolfeboro, NH, and Lottie's in Glastonbury, CT, where she established and maintained many friendships over countless years. Her presence at these places will be missed. Marilyn was a 45 year fan and supporter of UCONN men's basketball, and rarely missed attending games with her children. She was also a champion of many terrific environmental causes, including the Nature Conservancy, the Lake Wentworth Foundation, and the National Wildlife Federation. The family would like to thank all of those special people for the support, kindness and friendship they showed to our mother. It meant a great deal to her, and to the family, also. She thought so much of everyone - her favorite grocery store Gardiner's, her favorite breakfast spot, all her favorite clothes shops, her kind and caring neighbors, and her circle of friends at First Church in Glastonbury. She taught her family much, but perhaps what we admired most was her resolve, determination, and positive outlook even when the fate of her diagnosis became apparent. She lived every day as if it was a gift, and taught many of us how to handle a diagnosis of terminal illness with grace and dignity. Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, John Alistair McNab. She leaves a daughter and son-in-law, Heather McNab Pulito and Robert Pulito of Glastonbury, and a son and daughter-in-law, John Martin McNab and Ellen McNab, also of Glastonbury. She also leaves three grandchildren, Catherine and Emily McNab, and Keith Alistair Pulito. She also leaves four cousins, Muriel Stoltey, Alice Pierce, Rebecca Spear and Robert Spear. She was predeceased by another cousin, Waldo Spear. She also leaves her beloved cat, Spirit, who was a source of continued comfort and distraction throughout her illness. The family would like to extend warmest thanks and appreciation to the nurses and medical staff of units Center 10, Center 8, Bliss 9I, Bliss 9E, BW2R, Bliss 11I and the Emergency Department at Hartford Hospital who provided extraordinary care and compassion during her admissions there. They would also like to acknowledge the Glastonbury Volunteer Ambulance Association for their recent assistance. Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 16, 2012, from 6 pm - 8 pm at the Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury, CT. A memorial service celebrating Marilyn's life will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at 11 am at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 2183 Main Street, Glastonbury. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund, First Church of Christ Congregational, 2183 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033, or the Lake Wentworth Foundation, Box 2235, Wolfeboro, NH 03894