EXETER -- Marilyn Emma (Berard) Flynn died Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was 80 years old.

Marilyn is survived by her husband John; her daughter, Kathleen Fazekas and her husband, Ervin, of Rochester; her sons, Michael Flynn and Jack Flynn, both of Exeter; her six loving grandchildren, Chris Fazekas and his wife, Leeann, Katie Fazekas and her boyfriend, George Kostis, Ervin Fazekas, John Flynn IV, Dana Flynn and Riley Caley; her two great-grandchildren, Ty and Ali Fazekas who were the light of her life; Jeffrey Caley of Exeter; Katherine Flynn of Exeter; her uncle, Jack Smart of Haverhill, Mass.; her cousin, Keith Freeman of Alaska, and other cousins. She also made many lifelong friends through the years who always remained near and dear to her heart.

Marilyn was predeceased by her parents, Herman and Hildred Berard; and her daughter, Patricia Flynn Caley.

WE REMEMBER: Born Sept. 30, 1929, in Haverhill, Mass., to Herman and Hildred Berard, Marilyn spent her childhood in Haverhill until moving to Hampton, where she graduated from Hampton Academy in 1947. She later attended Lynn Burdette College and was employed at New England Telephone and Harris Real Estate. In 1953, she met and married her husband of 56 years, John W. Flynn Jr., and settled in Exeter to raise a family.

Marilyn enjoyed volunteering her time to community organizations, including the Exeter Area Women's Club, Unity Club of Stratham, American Cancer Society, and St. Michael's Church, where she was a longtime parishioner and served on the parish council. She also participated in the Big Brother Big Sister Association and never lost touch with her "little sister."

Marilyn took great pride in making her home filled with laughter and love. The holidays were always a special time for gatherings with lots of her delicious recipes. Her specialties were her cookies, pies (especially apple pie), "goodie bars" and "saltine cracker" bars. She taught all her family to love the art of preparing meals and desserts.

Throughout her life, Marilyn enjoyed sharing her home during charity events and holiday tours, where guests were often amazed at her decorating skills and her natural ability to make a house feel like "a home." Her creativity was expressed through her passion of decorating. She was known for being able to find a special place on a shelf for any gift she received from her family or friends. Marilyn also kept her landscaping and flower boxes decorated for every season for family and strangers alike to enjoy.

Marilyn touched countless people with her kindness, compassion for life, and warmth of the heart and soul. She had a friendly nature where the people she met often made a special impact on her life. She had a smile on her face each and every day. She often took the time to sit and "chat" and would love to tell stories and listen to others tell theirs. She focused on the positive things of everyday life and had "wise words of wisdom" to all those she came to know and love. Marilyn often spoke of her four children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren as being the greatest joys in her life.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Brewitt Funeral Home, 14 Pine St., Exeter. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Michael's Parish in Exeter, with burial services to follow at Exeter Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Stephen P. Bell, Timothy A. Bell & Trisha Flynn Caley Memorial Scholarship, c/o Citizens Bank, 154 Water St., Exeter, NH 03833, or Rockingham VNA & Hospice, 137 Epping Road, Exeter, NH 03833. To express online condolences, visit www.brewittfuneralhome.com.