Marilyn Stevens

Marilyn Stevens, 95, of Housatonic died April 3, 2023 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Marilyn was born July 18, 1927 in Evansville, Indiana, the daughter of Jake and Charlotte Behrick. In 1945, Charlotte married Leslie Weedon of Cambridge, England who became Marilyn’s beloved step-father.

At an early age, Marilyn’s extended family moved to New York City where she lived in her early years. She was a gifted singer and a lover of music throughout her life. After high school, she worked for Metropolitan Life in NYC and attended the Marble Collegiate Church, where she met her future husband, Frank Stevens. They were married on March 3, 1951 and soon moved to the Berkshires where they raised their family. Marilyn and Frank started their business, Country Carpets, which they operated together until Frank’s death in 1993. After that, Marilyn led a life filled with music, church, cooking, gardening, travel and caring for her family.

She volunteered at Tanglewood and as an election poll worker, was a member of the Thursday Morning Club and sang in local choral groups. She was a long-time member of the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington, where she served on many committees. For over 60 years she was a leading soprano in the church choir. Her brother and niece, Jack and Joan Behrick, took her on trips and cruises around the world. She possessed a positive attitude throughout her life, even when faced with significant health challenges in the past five years.

Marilyn is survived by her two sons, Jeffrey and his wife, Tamara of Great Barrington, Frank Christopher and his wife, Jacqueline, of South Egremont and her daughter, Cynthia, of Pittsfield. She also leaves her six grandchildren, Allison (Andy) of Seattle WA, Jessica (Paul) of Boston MA, Kyle (Morgan) of Readsboro VT, Benjamin of South Egremont, Matthew of Pittsfield MA and Megan of Agawam MA, and three great-grandchildren, Max, Samuel and Elise of Seattle.

SERVICES — Marilyn fully gave of herself to her children, her friends and her community and she will be missed. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 9:30am at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230, followed by a Memorial Service beginning at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Congregational Church of Great Barrington, the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad and Fairview Hospital through the funeral home. To send remembrances to the family, please visit finnertyandstevens.com.