BUXTON- Marilyn Mae Thurber passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at her home in Buxton, Maine, on October 12, 2026. She was born in Portland, Maine, on July 27, 1949, to Phillip Davis and Margaret Winslow.
Marilyn graduated from Windham High School in 1967 with high honors. She loved reading and spending her summers at Highland Lake throughout her teenage years.
Marilyn was a licensed practical nurse. Through the Scarborough medical community, she met Charles “Chuck” Frederick Thurber III, MD, “the love of her life.” They became a couple in the late 1980s and married in 1994.
In 1993, Marilyn and Chuck moved from Scarborough to Charlottesville, Virginia, where Chuck taught at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and Marilyn worked at several medical clinics. She enjoyed working out at J’s Gym, where she made many new friends. During their years in Virginia, she also developed her talents in quilting and watercolor painting. She especially enjoyed her quilting club, sharing her love of quilting and the friendships she made there.
In 2005, Marilyn and Chuck returned to Maine, purchasing land in Buxton and building their home. They welcomed neighbors, friends, and family for parties and barbecues. Marilyn adored her neighbors, who became like family to her.
Marilyn was a devoted Baptist and attended Little Falls Baptist Church, where Pastor Tony Vafiades served. Her faith was an important part of her life.
Her studio above the garage became a place to explore her endless creativity through printmaking, stamping, handmade cards, acrylic sculpture, and oil painting. She generously shared her creations with family, friends, and online communities.
Marilyn cherished her family, including her stepsons, Christopher and Byron, and her four grandchildren, Danilo, Alicia, Sava, and Isabel. She lovingly made personalized birthday cards and keepsakes for her grandchildren and enjoyed sharing her creativity with them in “Grandma Marilyn’s Studio.”
Marilyn had a deep love for all the dogs she and Chuck welcomed into their lives over the years. They were her babies, and she cherished each one as family.
Marilyn was a true American patriot, proudly reflected in her clothing and throughout her home.
Marilyn was predeceased by her beloved husband, Chuck, and her brother, Phillip “Butch” Davis
She is survived by her son, Jacob Tabachnick, and his partner, Rhonda Rafuse; her brother David Davis and his partner, Christy-Lynn Barnes; her brother Richard Winslow and his wife, Norma Winslow; and her sister-in-law, Dianne Davis, wife of her late brother, Phillip “Butch” Davis. She is also survived by her stepson Christopher Thurber and his wife, Simonida, of Exeter, New Hampshire; her stepson Byron Thurber and his wife, Ana, of San Francisco, California; and grandchildren Danilo, Alicia, Sava, and Isabel. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.
A service will be held on Monday October 26, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel,498 Long Plains Road (Rt. 22), Buxton. Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home website, www.mainefuneral.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com