Marilyn Bousquet, 91

GILFORD — Marilyn Bousquet, 91, passed away peacefully at her home on Oct. 17, 2026, surrounded by family including her children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Born on April 28, 1935, in Tilton, to parents Guy Matott and Lura Sawyer, Marilyn grew up in Tilton, alongside her siblings, Dorothy, Jo Anne, Judy, Andy, Katherine and Edward.

Marilyn met the love of her life, Roland Bousquet Sr., at a school dance at age 15, fitting for a couple who would spend so many years dancing together. Roland used to take the train from Laconia, to Tilton, to see her while they were dating. They married in 1951, and made their home on Elm Street in Laconia, where they raised their five children, Linda, Cindy, Dawna, Debbie and Roland Jr. Together, they built a life centered around family, hard work, and, of course, a whole lot of fun.

Marilyn and Roland founded and operated Captain Bob’s Fish Market in Laconia. It was a true family business, with their children and eventually some of their grandchildren pitching in over the years. Marilyn could debone and fillet a fish better and faster than just about anyone, and Captain Bob’s became both a familiar local spot and an important part of the Bousquet family story.

Marilyn was the quintessential matriarch and the glue that held the Bousquet family together. She was a straight shooter, speaking her mind and always giving an honest opinion about exactly what she thought. Generations of family knew they could come to her with anything, including the harder parts of life, and find someone who would listen without judgment while still offering a word of wisdom. Marilyn loved having her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren pop over to visit and hearing about their lives. Not easily shocked and never one to shy away from much, she was strong-willed and resilient, with a great sense of humor and a wisdom that made people naturally turn to her for advice.

A die-hard Red Sox fan, Marilyn loved watching the games and spending time in the garage with family, where card games, laughter, stories, and endless puzzles were a regular occurrence. Always ready to have a good time, Marilyn also seemed to have luck on her side. She was often the first to win at the slots, loved a good game of blackjack, and even had a silverware collection at home from some of the casinos she enjoyed most.

Some of the happiest memories were of Marilyn and Roland dancing together. Whether swing dancing to Frank Sinatra or simply enjoying a night out, Marilyn could certainly liven up the dance floor. At Christmas, her famous tourtière pies were something the entire family looked forward to, made year after year with Roland especially in mind.

It was often the simple things Marilyn loved most: family traditions, laughter, watching the Red Sox, sitting around playing cards, working on a puzzle, or enjoying a cocktail with family and friends at the lake house on Lake Winnipesaukee. Such seemingly ordinary moments became precious memories that generations of the Bousquet family will cherish forever.

Marilyn leaves behind her five children, Linda Bousquet, Cindy Benton, Dawna Bousquet and her husband Ray Ozzie, Debbie Blixt, and Roland Bousquet Jr. and his wife Kathy Bousquet. She also leaves behind her 10 grandchildren, Michelle Newquist, Janelle Martinez, Eric Shute, Christine Robbs, Lura Shute, Neil Ozzie, Jill Ozzie, Barry Blixt, Jaclyn Bousquet and Julia Bousquet; as well as many great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Marilyn was predeceased in 2013 by her beloved husband, Roland.

She will be laid to rest with Roland in a private burial at Pine Grove Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 24. Immediately following, at 2:30 p.m., her larger family will gather at her home to celebrate Marilyn’s life.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.