Marilyn B. Hilly, born Marilyn June Belding in Northfield, Vermont, passed away peacefully in her home in Waitsfield in March, Vermont, at the age of 97, after a long life defined by her love for family, her fearless spirit on skis, a Cheshire Cat grin, and often being the last to leave the dance floor. In 1951, Marilyn and her husband, Gerry Hilly, purchased what would come to be known simply as “the Farm” in Waitsfield. There, they built a life deeply rooted in the Mad River Valley community while welcoming guests from all over the world. While the family lived in Scarsdale, New York, weekends and vacations were spent on Dana Hill. The Farm was considered their true home—a refuge for skiers, free-spirited adventurers, and even members of the Japanese Olympic ping pong team (!) looking for a place to belong. It was not uncommon for Marilyn to stop at the local grocery store, Mehuron’s, and return with a new friend for dinner—and sometimes new chosen family members who would stay at the Farm for months or even years. The door was rarely, if ever, locked. A fierce competitor and gifted ski racer at her beloved Mad River Glen, Marilyn won many medals throughout her racing career, including the prestigious New England Kandahar. Her passion for skiing and relentless drive carried her to extraordinary heights. At age 32, and the mother of two young children, Marilyn earned a place on the United States Olympic ski team. Sadly, during the final Olympic trials, she was struck with a severe case of the flu, forcing her to watch the Olympics from a hospital bed rather than from the starting gate she had worked so hard to reach. Though that moment denied her the chance to compete on the Olympic stage, it never dimmed her love of the sport or the mountains. Marilyn remained an avid skier for decades and continued well into her nineties, making annual spring skiing pilgrimages to Utah until the remarkable age of 93. Over the years, she shared that love widely—teaching hundreds of people, young and old, how to ski, and helping many discover the joy and confidence found on the mountain. In addition to her life in skiing, Marilyn devoted many years to teaching. As an educator with master’s degrees in Home Economics and Health Education, she inspired generations of students with her curiosity, warmth, and enthusiasm for learning. In retirement, Marilyn and Gerry moved full-time to Dana Hill. Remarkably, after retiring from teaching, she began a new chapter as a Bonnie Pruden Myotherapist. She delighted in offering her massage “Quick Fixes” and sharing exercises at the farmers market—where many locals would say she cured their headaches. Her husband, Gerry Hilly, predeceased her in 2009. Marilyn, also known as Mema, is survived by her children, Meg, Becky, and Jed; and her grandchildren, Aura Riddle, Bailey, Anabel, and Charlie Hilly. Marilyn’s life was filled with love, adventure, and joy in the outdoors. She will be remembered as a spirited competitor, a devoted teacher, and a woman who embraced life with a radiant smile. Her memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, and in the snowy slopes and enduring spirit of the Mad River Valley that she cherished so deeply. Our family extends heartfelt thanks to the many kind people at Meals on Wheels and Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice who supported her along the way. In honor of Marilyn, please consider a contribution to help sustain these programs. A celebration of life is being planned for Marilyn’s birthday weekend, May 30th. Location to be announced.
