Marilyn M. Walker

Marilyn Marie (Persia) Walker was taken to her heavenly home on Monday, February 9, 2026. Marilyn moved to New Hampshire in the late 1980’s with her little family to start a new life in the country. In her 35+ years in the Granite State, she became a presence and gift to the communities in which she shared her life.

Born in Lynn, MA to Gloria (Ragucci) Persia and Anthony Persia on July 18, 1964, “Mal” was raised as an Italian Catholic and held close to her roots throughout her entire life. From a curious child to an independent teenager and finally a selfless adult, Marilyn consistently lived a sacrificial life in which she cared for family and friends in innumerable ways. Always prepared to share deeply held convictions, wisdom gained from life experience, and opinions formulated by her stubborn Italian mindset, she influenced, encouraged, taught, and inspired an unbelievable amount of people. Along with her mind, Marilyn thrived on sharing her unmatchable cooking skills. She always had more than one thing simmering, roasting, or baking in her fragrant and homey kitchen. With a lifelong open-door policy, guests were welcomed by the scent of food, soft classical music floating in the air, and the comforting voice of a friend.

Marilyn’s home away from home was Market Basket, “store #47” in Rindge. Her beaming lip-sticked smile greeted customers day after day for 29 years. From behind the glass of the customer service booth she listened to stories, mentored hurting souls, encouraged those suffering from despair, shared her vast thoughts and opinions, gave money to those in need and just simply had a friendly chat to brighten up the day. It was here that she became a staple in town and a friend to many.

Marilyn’s all encompassing passion was her family. Wife, mother, and Nonna were the three roles she loved with her entire heart and dedicated herself to. She declared she breathed for her family on a regular basis, and it was evident in her wholehearted devotion to the nurture and care of her husband, two children, and six grandchildren. Nothing brought her greater joy than her “babies.”

Our sweet Marilyn is survived by her husband Charles, children Jamie (Marshall) Knight (Keith Knight) James Marshall Jr. (Kaylee Somero), six grandchildren, Titus, Bria, Deacon, Jovie, Eli, and Alec, and her close friend and former husband, James Marshall Sr.

A service of victory will be held for Marilyn on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Hope Fellowship Church, 16 Prescott Road in Jaffrey, NH at 3:00 pm.

Calling hours and visitation with the family will take place prior to and following the service, beginning from 12:30-2:30 pm, and then after the service from 4:00-6:00 pm.

The family would love for all visitors to wear bright colors in honor of the light Marilyn brought into the world.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations made to Marilyn’s highly favored charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A Memorial Fund has been made in her honor under the name, “Marilyn Walker.” Please visit https://www.stjude.org/donate or mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.