Marion H. Makepeace

Marion H. Makepeace died on June 1st, 2018 at her home in Naugatuck. Marion was born in 1925, on Staten Island NY to her parents, Richard and Isabel Witherspoon Hole. Marion was married in 1947 to John Viets Makepeace on Staten Island and they raised five children in Naugatuck, CT. Marion was known to her family by the nickname, Goose . This nickname of Goose was bestowed upon her by her grandchild, Rebecca from Granny Goose. Goose was predeceased by her husband, John, eldest son John Tyler, and daughter Marion Angell Makepeace. 

Marion was a voracious reader and sports enthusiast. and taught this to her children . Goose was the beloved Matriarch of our family and all of her children congregated in Naugatuck at her home for every occasion. She is remembered as a competitive bridge and Scrabble player. She enjoyed hiking with the grandchildren and sharing with them her love for wild flowers and the outdoors. Goose hiked up Mt. Marcy in the Adirondacks in the late 90’s with Marcy, David, Rebecca and Emily after Marcy recovered from a major illness. Goose supported son John Tyler in his unsuccessful bid to become a Democratic member of Congress in the Republican state of Colorado. Goose took her son David to Spain for a month. She took Seth to St. Johns Island and camped on the beach.

Marion started a career after raising her children as the first girls Athletic Director for Taft School in Watertown.  Each year Taft presents The Marion Makepeace Cup for good sportsmanship to a female Varsity athlete. Marion is remembered for persuading the school to grant a female athlete, Barbara Potter, permission to play on the boys tennis team. Barbara went on to become a top 10 ranked player in the world on the Association of Women's Tennis Professionals. 

In order to demonstrate support for her children Goose became engaged in many pursuits.  She studied macrobiotics along with her daughter Marcy. She gradually moved the family from red meat to fish and vegetables. Her husband, John, is remembered for objecting to the inclusion of Saki at meals. Goose drove around the New England junior tennis circuit in support of her children's aspirations for top ranking in their age groups. The trips included driving from Connecticut to Waterville, Maine and everywhere in between.

Marion is survived by her three sons David, Richard and Seth and her 10 grandchildren Emily, David, Mark Javier, Ryan, Eric, Rebecca, Clayton, Jane, Morgan, and Jamie. Goose had a close relationship with her niece Anne Appleton Makepeace and her husband Charles Church who visited with her often. Additionally, Goose loved her many wonderful nieces and nephews.

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