Gardner-Elaine Mary (Bennington) Marsaw is remembered for her kindness, caring, generosity, and faith. She was born on August 22, 1931, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Brainerd, the eldest child of William Bennington and Irene (Olson) Bennington. Elaine attended grade school in a one-room country school house in rural Brainerd, and transferred to Brainerd’s Washington High School after 8th grade.
She graduated from Washington High in 1949 and went on to graduate from Minnesota State Teacher’s College in St. Cloud, MN in 1953. She went on to teach elementary school. Elaine married Paul H. Budlong, also of Brainerd, in 1954.
Paul’s military service and early career saw them living from Alaska to Florida, settling for good in Littleton, Massachusetts in 1966. Daughter Liane was welcomed in 1955, and son Daniel in 1961. Elaine devoted her life to her family and faith.
She was a skilled homemaker and wonderful cook, preparing a special dinner every Sunday, and making pizza every Saturday night. The family enjoyed weekly summer cookouts accented with Elaine’s homemade mint ice tea, and played yard games of which badminton was her favorite. She navigated on the yearly cross-country vacations in the family camper, and helped make the many family reunions in Minnesota a success.
She enjoyed the simple pleasures of reading, popcorn, and making puzzles, a family pastime she excelled at her entire life. She was health conscious, and enjoyed a long healthy life. When Paul opened Party Pal, a party goods store in Lexington, she helped manage the business for many years.
When Paul retired, he reinvested in farming under the company name of North Shore Inc., a business Elaine later ran after his passing. Paul passed away in 2000, and in 2009 Elaine married Raymond Marsaw, a widower. Raymond and his wife Flossie had been good friends with Paul and Elaine at Beth Eden Baptist Church.
Elaine and Ray spent their years together doting on their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, practicing their faith, and vacationing for several months each year at Myrtle Beach. Ray passed in November of 2018, and Elaine followed in February of 2019. She was at peace, and her passing was gentle, in her own home with her family around her.
She was preceded by her sisters Phyllis and Beryl, and survived by her brother Glenn Bennington of Wisconsin. She leaves behind her daughter Liane Jablonski, her children, Erin, Leah, Carlton Jr, Sara, Hope, and Will, and great-grandchildren Jessica, Jacob, Phillip, Hannah, Dylan, and Julia; and her son Daniel Boudillion, his wife Julie, and their daughter Caitlin. Elaine is loved and missed.
Calling Hours will be held on Friday, February 15, 2019 from 1-2pm at Beth Eden Baptist Church in Fitchburg with a Funeral Service immediately following at 2pm. Burial will be at a later date. To leave an online condolence please visit www.
mackfamilyfh.com Mack Family Funeral Homes, 105 Central St. Gardner is assisting the family with arrangements.
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