Marilyn B. (Mackenzie) Carlson

NORTH BROOKFIELD - A beautiful soul left this earth on September 30, 2020.  Marilyn (Mackenzie) Carlson, 77, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family after losing her battle with cancer.

She leaves her soulmate and husband of 60 years, Rodney Carlson, her best friend and daughter, Michelle (Carlson) Peterson, and the apple of her eye, her granddaughter Madeline Peterson and her fur babies Bonnie and Diva.  She also leaves her very special sister, Michelle Huntington of Monson; grandsons Todd and Derek Kiechle of New York; her loving nieces, nephews, cousins and her 4 great grandchildren.  

She was predeceased by her daughter Brenda (Carlson) Miller of New York.  She was the daughter of the late George W. Mackenzie and Madeline (Jannard) Mackenzie of Monson.  She was also predeceased by her brother George W. Mackenzie II, her sister Jayne Nothe and her favorite brother in law, James Huntington.

Marilyn attended Palmer High School and then went on to work various occupations.  Her most recent position was a server at Cracker Barrel for 18 years where she worked until she was 75.  She had many loyal regulars whom became friends and would call her at home to make sure she was working the next day.  

She was a huge lover of animals and had many different ones throughout the years from dogs, cats to rats and monkeys and goats.  If an animal didn't have a home it found one with her.  She also loved the casino - especially the slots and visited Foxwoods and Mohegan weekly.   

Marilyn loved to travel.  Mexico and the Caribbean were her favorites.  She traveled yearly with her daughters and granddaughter for a girl bonding trip.  So many happy, crazy, fun memories were had on those adventures.

She had a gift of gab.  If you were blessed to be near her conversations would usually start with "where are you headed?" and would go on for quite some time.  She made many new acquaintances in her life.

Of the many wonderful qualities, the ones that come to mind most were her thoughtfulness and how she was so much fun to have around.  She wouldn't forget a birthday, a celebration or to bring a souvenir to a friend.  There was always some little trinket that she would give to someone to brighten their day.  She loved to embarrass her daughters with her outgoingness and her joking ways.

The world got less bright for all that knew and loved her and she will be forever missed.

Due to COVID restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting her family with arrangements.

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