HENNIKER, NH:  Marie Gilbert, 82, died November 16, 2023. She was born in Jamaica, Long Island, NY on January 10, 1941, the daughter of Charlotte M. (Cook) and Frederick C. Brunnhoelzl, Jr.

She came to Henniker in 1951 and attended Henniker schools. She graduated from Cogswell Memorial High School in 1958. On June 6, 1959 she married Peter Gilbert of Henniker.

She was a member of the Order of Rainbow Girls in Bradford and Henniker.  She worked at the Henniker Pharmacy, Arnos Cleaners in Concord, Sylvania Electric in Hillsboro and in 1972 began working at New England College in Henniker, retiring in 1998.  In 1981 she received an Honorary Alumni Award.  She served on the Henniker Zoning Board of Adjustment and was on the Board of Directors of the Henniker Historical Society and Museum for many years.  She enjoyed genealogy research.  Since the 1980s, she has been the clown helping to stop traffic for the school Halloween parades, for which the kids named her the “Clown Lady.”

She was a much loved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Family members include her husband, Peter, sons, Jerry Gilbert (Shelagh Mannix) and Keith Gilbert (Mary), granddaughters, Jessica Mumford (Alden), Corey Gilbert  (Alex Koppelkam), Kate Poulin (Craig) and Lisa Schott (Benjamin), great-grandchildren Henry and Sarah Poulin, Emmett Schott and his soon to arrive sister, and her brother, Frederick C. Brunnhoelzl, III (Carol).

She was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Charlotte Howard.

She leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

There will be no calling hours or service.

The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation Service Is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Henniker Fire Fighters Association or The Friends of the Henniker Rescue Squad, at 216 Maple St, Henniker, NH 03242 or to the Henniker Historical Society and Museum, 151 Maple St, PO Box 674, Henniker, NH 03242, or the charity of your choice.