Marilyn M. Lange, 98

Marilyn Marie Lange passed peacefully on Feb. 21, 2026, in Olathe, Kansas, with family at her side. She had been a seasonal resident of Meredith from 1960, and still had her beloved cottage at the Winnipesaukee Beach Colony Club at the time of her passing.

Born in Brooklyn in 1927, her family had tickets for the Dodgers at Ebbets Field, and she maintained her devotion to the team when they relocated to Los Angeles, cheering their recent championships. She was also an avid bridge player, and was often knitting for family and many charitable causes, from socks during World War II, to hats and blankets for babies in NICU.

Marilyn was predeceased in 2017 by her husband of 50 years, Al Lange, who she met in a 5- & 10-cent store in Troy, New York, when they were college students. He often said the popular song “I Found a Million Dollar Baby (in a Five and Ten Cent Store)" could have been written for them. They loved to dance to the big bands, especially at Irwin Gardens in the Weirs.

During her working years, Marilyn was a teacher. They lived in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Florida, during their married life, and traveled the world in retirement.

Her family was her greatest joy and she leaves two daughters, Nancy Schroeder (Rich), who was her selfless caregiver and constant companion the last few years, of Olathe, Kansas, and Betty Strader (Fred), of Meredith, who always enjoyed their summer adventures together. She also leaves five grandchildren and their spouses, who often visited her to play the board games she loved, and seven great-grandchildren.

We will miss the smiles she shared daily, despite numerous health challenges. Each time she faced a major health scare, she fought so hard to stay with us that we thought she would smile forever, even after a full life of 98 years. Her memorial service and burial will be in Meredith this summer.