Monroe, NH - Marlene B. Munson, 79, a self proclaimed "tough old bird," succumbed to breast cancer after a second fight on July 13, 2015. She was born in Standish, Maine, the daughter of the late Doris (Boulter) and Carroll E. Bouchey. Marlene was a graduate of Deering High School in Portland, Maine. She married the late L. Alton Munson in March 1956 after completing training as a beautician. She was employed in Portland for a short while before they settled in Windham, New Hampshire, where they started a family which grew to include six children. Marlene was an active member of the Ladies Benevolent Society at the Windham Presbyterian Church and a Girl Scout leader for 10-plus years. She cared for a large, abundant garden and canned many green beans and tomatoes. The rootcellar was always stocked with home-made applesauce, jam, and pickles, and the family's favorite -- green tomato relish. Even up until days before her passing, she wanted to make sure that her caregivers had plenty to eat, identifying items they could find in her well-stocked freezer. Marlene was also quite the baker. Her 1970s Kitchen Aid mixer was in constant use and the family had homemade desserts at every meal. Each morning she loved a "sweet" with her hot drink and sent the kids off to school with treats that were the envy of the lunchroom. Marlene was a meticulous house keeper and loved a good painting project. Many pieces of old furniture were refinished. She could also be convinced to come out and "play." She loved a wild toboggan ride and enjoyed cross country skiing, biking, ice skating, and walking. When her husband neared retirement, they moved to Monroe. There she expanded her interest in perennial flowers, and became an active member of the Monroe Garden Club. She made their yard a showplace by creating colorful flower beds in continuous bloom throughout the summer. Her devotion to the church continued at the Monroe United Methodist Community Church. She voluntarily did the cleaning at the church for many years and was an active member in the Women's group, most recently serving as president. Later in life she looked forward to a yearly trip with her siblings, even agreeing to a Caribbean cruise to the amazement of her younger sister. She is survived by her six children: Deborah of Chester, NH, Laurie, and husband John, of Gray, ME, Michael, and wife Cheryl, of Raymond, NH, Julie, and husband Bill, of Candia, NH, Joanne, of Hooksett, NH, and Rhonda, and husband Bill, of Hollis, NH. She is also survived by six siblings, sisters Ruth, and husband Jack, of Port St. Lucie, FL, Jean, and husband John, of Binghamton, NY, and Jeanette, of Standish, ME, and brothers, Paul, and wife Carlene, of Porter, ME, Robert, of Limington, ME, and Carl, and wife Pam, of Limington, ME, and a sister-in-law, Marilyn, of Ocala, FL. She has six grandchildren, Michael, Keith, Travis, Kerrie, Randall, and David, and two great granddaughters, Lexi and Lilly. There are no calling hours. A graveside memorial service at the Monroe Village Cemetery, Plain Road, Monroe is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 11 a.m. A reception following the service will be held at the Town Hall. Family and friends are welcome. Donations in her memory can be made to Norris Cotton Cancer Center, DD-H/Geisel Office of Development, Office of Gift Recording, One Medical Center Drive, Hinman Box 7070, Lebanon, NH 03756-0001 (http://cancer.dartmouth.edu/dv/friends_support_the_friends.html) or Monroe Community Church, c/o Mr. Winston Currier, PO Box 125, Monroe, NH 03771