Marilyn Buck Grindle Miller was born on Sept. 7, 1927, in Milo, Maine. She was one of 5 sisters and 3 brothers born to Harry and Mildred Buck. Marilyn grew up in a large and happy family during the Depression, attending Milo High School and graduating with optimism despite the hardship of that time.

She married Stanley Grindle at the age of 19, and realized a dream in the raising of her 7 children, Allen, Timothy, Karen, Blaine, Jackie, Joel and Brian. Children, the life of her home and all those in it, was something she devotedly embraced in an era when motherhood was being slowly invalidated. She taught them well by her example — music, art, empathy, the power inherent in critical thing, the value of tolerance and generosity — this is her legacy, lived out each day now by her beloved children. Most of all she modeled a quiet constancy and uncomplaining devotion.

They all recall the day her son Joel’s friend became seriously ill with hepatitis. With nowhere to go, he faced homelessness. She took him in with no hesitation, carried food to his bed and watched over him until he recovered. He later said she had saved his life. She would have laughed and found such praise excessive!

In her life, people were what mattered, especially all children. Her family still smiles at the time her son Allen brought home 15 teenage surfers. Though she had seven children to feed, and her husband was on deployment, she chuckled and gave them breakfast too.

Her delight in laughter and music were legendary for those who loved her! She sang at every opportunity, from lullabies to ditties of the ’40s. Her children have many memories of her breaking into song or spontaneously dancing, irrepressible responses to her natural optimism and joy in life. Most now find expression in art and music.

When she was 65 she met Harvey Miller, who was to become her husband and soul mate. Her daughter Karen recalls how her mother became a girl again as they dated!

Together they spent 20 years loving one another, sharing time traveling, square dancing, visiting their families. They were truly happy.

Marilyn leaves behind her husband, Harvey; daughters Karen and Jackie; and sons Allen, Tim, Blaine and Brian. She is predeceased by her son Joel, whose family, Danielle and Taylor, were so dear to her. She is especially missed by her sister Elaine.

Harvey’s daughters Peggy and Charlene were her devoted children too, if not by name. Peggy especially was always there.

If her time on earth was judged by the lives she touched, the love she gave, the dreams she encouraged, she’d be humble at the gratitude of those she knew. Those who cared for her in her last days said it best: “She was one of the good ones.”

Memorial service to be held on Saturday, June 1, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. at the First Parish Congregational Church, 40 Main St., Freeport.