Marilyn Thorne passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on December 11, 2012. Beloved wife of the late Robert E. Thorne, and devoted mother, she is survived by sons Robert and Gregory and daughter Susan, and was predeceased by daughter Valerie (Gardner). She was also the beloved grandmother of Adam and David Gardner, and Michael and Paul Thorne. She also leaves behind brother Richard Buckmaster and his wife Waltraut, brother-in-law Richard Frederick, and sister-in-law Grace Thorne, in addition to many nieces and nephews. Born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Marilyn was the daughter of Albert and Ireta (Jackson) Buckmaster. She moved to Rome, NY with her family before moving to Ashland. After graduation from Ashland High School, Marilyn attended business school, and was employed by Bell Telephone. She also worked as a real estate agent, and as a librarian at the Ashland library. Her most cherished role was mother and home maker. She was a role model of patience, selflessness and caring within her family. A wonderful cook, Marilyn particularly showed her love with the food she prepared and she enjoyed finding, collecting and trying out new recipes. She shared the love of gardening, bird watching, reading, antique collecting with her husband, and also enjoyed music and playing piano. She brought her competitive spirit to cribbage matches and backgammon with family and friends. She enjoyed travel, particularly her visit to England and Paris and time spent in Florida with family. She was a member of St. Cecilia's church. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 15th at 9:00am at St. Cecilia's Church in Ashland. A private interment will take place at a later date in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland. Calling hours will be held Friday from 5:00-7:00 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. in Ashland. www.mataresefuneral.com In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Heifer International, PO Box 6021, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6621 or the Ashland Emergency Fund, PO Box 112, Ashland, MA 01721