THOMASTON — Marion B. Sanborn, 95, slipped quietly into the arms of Jesus, Wednesday, December 12, 2018 surrounded by the love of her family.  

Born in Thomaston, September 22, 1923, she was the daughter of Ralph and Olga Kiskila Burkett.

Growing up during the Depression, Marion knew the value of hard work. Walking to school each day, up a long dirt road, often with her shoes truly worn through, she studied feverishly, eventually skipping a grade and graduating as Valedictorian of her class from Thomaston High School.  

Following graduation, Marion met the love of her life, Herbert Sanborn, while sledding and skating on the brook. The pair were married on Marion’s birthday, September 22, 1941. Together they raised five children and two foster daughters.

Constant companions for over 74 years, the two made their home on Beechwood Street in Thomaston for all of those years.

A devoted homemaker, Marion tended to the needs of her family while her children were growing up. After they had grown, she went to work for H&R Block where she worked until she was 82 years old. She even ran her own office in Newcastle. She was a tax wizard and enjoyed helping friends and family with their taxes until last year.

She had a keen, sharp mind, which she kept busy right up until the day before she passed.  She could often be found using her computer, checking her email, using online bill pay, shopping online and even scrolling through FaceBook.

An avid dog lover, Marion and Herb bred and raised AKC German Shepherds. They enjoyed taking them to shows, and owned a champion dog.

Marion was upbeat and positive, something she attributed to her strong faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She always put the needs of others above herself, and was constantly concerned about those around her. She was active in several local churches, serving as a Sunday school teacher, superintendent, treasurer and other positions at both Thomaston Baptist and First Baptist Church in Rockland.  

Being in the kitchen was one Marion’s favorite pastimes. Her granddaughter remembered she loved watching cooking shows, reading cook books, cooking, canning and eating! She said she was a ‘foodie’ long before her time.

Always ready to jump in the car for a trip, she made the perfect co-pilot. She was always up for anything, whether it be a trip to the dump, grocery shopping or a shopping trip to Portland, Marion was ready. And shopping was her thing! She loved nothing more than buying jewelry, the more sparkles the better.

Family was Marion’s number one priority in life. She took great joy in family gatherings and having all of her loved ones around her. She loved them all fiercely and although they will miss her immensely, they are left with hearts full of wonderful lasting memories.  

Predeceased by her beloved husband; her two brothers, Stacy and Elwyn Burkett; two sons, Daniel Sanborn, Donald Sanborn; and a grandson-in-law Roy Walston.

Marion is survived by her sons, David Sanborn and his wife Joan of Thomaston, Douglas Sanborn and his wife Bobbi of Old Town; her daughter Linda Reynolds of Thomaston; two foster daughters, Tena Webber of South China, Essie Christensen of Kingsport, TN; beloved daughters-in-law, Karen Curits of Thomaston, Verliegh Sanborn of Standish; her son Donald’s companion, Ellen Spring of Thomaston;

10 grandchildren and their spouses, Dwayne and Candy Sanborn of Auburn, Dwight and Karen Sanborn of Standish, Derald and Stephanie Sanborn of Vinalhaven, Darryl and Julie Sanborn of Thomaston, Theresa Walston of Warren; Melissa Reynolds of Thomaston, Douglas Sanborn, Jr. of Portland, Derek Sanborn of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Lori Yoder and Kelsey Yoder of Glenburn;

11 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a large loving extended family.  

A celebration of Marion’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 21, 2018 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

A reception will follow at 104 Limerock, adjacent to the funeral home. Interment will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either, First Baptist Church, 215 Limerock Street, Rockland; or Rockland District Nursing, P.O. Box 1713, Rockland, Maine 04841.