Marjorie Ann (Wendling) Wakefield, 69, passed away tragically, leaving behind a legacy of deep community service, warmth, and boundless compassion. Born in Windsor, Vermont, on October 11, 1956, to Richard and Kathy (Dimmick) Wendling, she grew up in Woodstock before spending most of her life in her beloved South Pomfret, Vermont.

A 1974 graduate of Woodstock Union High School, Marge began her career at the Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, Maine. Summertime would find her on the beach in Kennebunk on her days off, surrounded by her close-knit group of Woodstock friends who worked alongside her. During the winter and spring, she traveled south to work at the Delray Beach, Florida Colony Hotel. She held many fond memories of these coastal days, readily sharing stories with others whenever a conversation turned to Maine or Florida.

Marge was a dedicated professional who held several impactful administrative roles throughout her life, including positions at Mary Hitchcock Hospital and Quechee Lakes, as well as 21 proud years of service at Billings Farm and Museum. She even recently worked at the Village Inn, previously the New England Inn which her parents had once owned. Most recently, she was employed at M&T Bank in Woodstock. She truly loved her job and quickly became recognized as one of the bank's top relationship bankers. Marge cared deeply that things were done right, but more than that, she genuinely cared for her customers—many of whom would specifically seek her out to help guide them through their banking.

Deeply rooted in her local community, Marge volunteered her time in many capacities. When her children were young, she was an active Pomfret PTO member. She was always present at the Pomfret Fire Department fundraisers, helping out in many ways. She also served as a board member of the Pomfret Emergency Services Commission, a Trustee of Public Funds, and a longtime Justice of the Peace, where she had the distinct honor of marrying several couples who specifically sought her out. She was also a board member of the Woodstock History Center (following in her mother’s footsteps).

Most recently, Marge was elected to the Pomfret Selectboard. Through all her service, several traits remained fiercely consistent: her organizational skills, her sharp attention to detail, and her steadfast desire to make sure things were done right. True to her character, before her very first meeting as a selectboard member, Marge spent the better part of a week studying budgets, ordinances, and meeting minutes just to ensure she showed up as prepared as she could possibly be.

Beyond her public service, Marge possessed a deep, soulful spiritual connection that guided her everyday actions. She moved through the world with an intentional desire to spread love and light to everyone she encountered. Whether through a comforting word, a warm embrace, or her radiant energy, she lifted the spirits of those around her and anchored her life in kindness, hope, and an enduring positivity that continues to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.

Marge had many passions and hobbies, with her grandchildren topping the list. She loved the beach, camping, gardening, music, reading, fishing, making her famous pickles and salsa, snowshoeing, taking her dog for walks, hiking and kayaking and spending time with her friends. Above all else, she prioritized Kevin, her partner and the love of her life, always dedicating herself to his comfort, happiness, and care.

Marge was predeceased by her father Richard Wendling, her mother Kathy, her son Justin Wakefield, and her brother Bobby Wendling.

She is survived by her longtime partner, Kevin Rice of South Pomfret, and his son Holden Rice, her daughter, Paige Ann Lewis and her four cherished grandchildren, Alex, Hagean, Nora, and Lyla.

A celebration of Marge’s life will be held at the Pomfret Town Hall on Saturday May 30th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, with a time of sharing that will take place at 1:30pm. Please come and share a story, a smile or a hug.