Marilyn L. Harding, 76, passed away on March 9, 2016 surrounded by her family. Born in Salem on September 26, 1939, she was the daughter of the late George and Marjorie (Hatch) Knowlton. Marilyn was raised and educated in Beverly and was a graduate of North Shore Community College for early childhood education. She became a teacher for Head Start in Lynn. She was an avid reader and her passion was for spending time with her children and many grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Wayne Harding, John and Diane Harding, Michael Harding, Charles and Leslie Harding, Elizabeth Raymer, Mark Harding, Julieanne Mckernan and late husband Gary, Genie Linehan and husband Joseph, Sherry Michalowski and husband James, and Jennifer Desmarais. She is also survived by her sisters Beverly Knowlton Fournier, sister Melody Knowlton, and sister Joanne Emerson. She is predeceased by her siblings Gary, Janice, Kevin, Midgie, and Sandra Knowlton. She also leaves 19 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and a large extended family.
Her funeral service will be held on Saturday March 12, 2016 at 10:30AM at the Murphy Funeral Home 85 Federal Street (corner of North St.) Salem, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Kaplan Hospice House, 75 Sylvan St B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.