November 1, 2020 was a great day as the Williams-Brazier Unit 37 American Legion Auxiliary of Thomaston, Maine honored their oldest member. Marion Stone, age 95, has served 25 plus years as a member of Unit 37 and was the treasurer for nearly half of those years, proudly caring for the unit’s finances with her accurate accounting. In the mid 1940’s, Marion’s husband Lewis A. Stone trained in Del Rio, Texas and then sent to the Philippines to serve as a weatherman for the Army Air Corp (as the U.S. Air Force had not been established at that time). Marion remained in the area and continued to work.

In 1989 Marion and Lewis replaced their family home in Thomaston with their retirement log home. It was shortly after this that Lewis joined the American Legion, Williams-Brazier Post #37 in Thomaston, Maine. Marion joined the American Legion Auxiliary a few years later. Marion had seen that her sister-in-law, Celia Stone Wallace, was an active member and advocate for the work of the organization. This led to Marion joining the Auxiliary and becoming a dedicated member of the “service not self” organization, supporting and serving veterans and their families.

Marion’s husband, Lewis, passed on in 2004 but Marion continued to be dedicated to serving the American Legion Auxiliary family. Marion is a proud mother of 2 daughters, 1 son, grandchildren, great grandchildren and 2 spoiled cats!

Marion’s vision has become compromised and she uses a magnifying glass to keep up with the news and events to stay informed. Marion also has some hearing loss, but that does not deter her much.

Marion has always been willing to help and has served at many of the bean suppers collecting money at the door and carefully reconciling the till at the end of the event. Marion’s chocolate cakes were, and still are, a staple at the monthly baked bean suppers of the American Legion. In the past few years Marion’s daughter has stepped in to help with the baking of these delicious cakes as well as collecting money at the door.

Since the Covid-19 restrictions Marion has not been able to attend meetings but she continues to provide cakes for suppers and stays informed with the written summaries and minutes of the meetings being mailed to her as well as through her daughters, who pass on any electronic transmissions and messages.

Marion continues to live on her own in her log cabin home with family keeping a close watch. With permission of the family the Auxiliary went to Marion’s home and paid her a visit on her front porch. It was with great pleasure that we were able to present Marion with a certificate of appreciation for her dedication and service. She was given a Past Treasurer’s ribbon/pin and an Honorary Life Membership certificate.

The Williams-Brazier Unit 37 American Legion Auxiliary wishes Marion well, that she stay safe and we look forward to celebrating her 96th birthday in January.