By Philip Devlin
(September 30, 2026) — It was my privilege to have been Marge DeBold’s friend for the past fifty years. I last saw her on September 15, 2026 at the Haddam Senior Center. I gave her a kiss, and we visited for several minutes. She told me that she wanted to hear me speak there that day. I felt honored. Still mentally sharp, she did, however, sound weak.
I used to visit her and her dog, Roscoe, regularly when she was healthier, often bringing her berries from my backyard, which she loved. Our conversations were far reaching as she was always current not only on local issues but also on national and world affairs. Marge DeBold had what the Romans used to call gravitas, a dignified and authoritative manner that commands trust and respect from others. She was terrific.
Her memory was excellent, and she could tell interesting and humorous stories. In 1970, for example, she and her husband, Dick, were to attend the planned Powder Ridge Rock Festival in Middlefield from July 31st to August 2nd. Fearing an onslaught of people similar to Woodstock, the people of Middlefield passed an ordinance banning the event on July 29th. Nevertheless, more than 30,000 people showed up with hopes to hear rock stars such as Janis Joplin, Jethro Tull, James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac, Joe Cocker, and many others. Marge happened to cross paths with the writer Anais Nin in Middlefield. She and Dick took her back to Middletown and fed her. She gave them an inscribed first edition copy of one of her many books. I saw the book several years ago when Marge asked me to evaluate her book collection.
Several people have contacted me with memories of Marge. Doreen Staskelunas, director of the Haddam Senior Center had this to say: “Marge DeBold was a giant in Higganum. Very few people have as big an impact on their community as she (has). It didn’t matter if you knew Marge for five minutes or since she came to town, she cherished the connection and you were better because of it. I will deeply miss our talks and interactions.” Doreen added that recently, then-First Selectman “Bob McGarry read a proclamation designating July 27th (Marge’s birthday) as Marge DeBold Day forever and always.” (photo below)
Longtime teaching colleague, Kathy Hennessey, had this remembrance: “I worked with Marge for several years at Burr School. She was wonderful to work with–professional, supportive, and creative. I always knew I could depend on her for assistance when needed. Just as she was dedicated to her teaching, in later years she gave of her time and talents in service to her town. Marge was always there to help.”
Another teaching colleague, Nancy Walts, happened to see Marge by chance at Middlesex Hospital last summer. Nancy had this to say “most fondly” about her friend: “I remember Marge DeBold as the beautiful California girl with the sparkling blue eyes, the engaging smile, the braid reaching well past her waist, and her very handsome, white-haired husband Dick as her soulmate. Marge was easy-going, extremely social, yet hard as nails when the situation warranted. I always considered her to be the icon of the community and RSD17. I recall many hours spent in her very cozy kitchen with the teacher negotiating team. Marge’s warmth and hospitality was most welcoming.”
Another friend and teaching colleague, Gail (Manning) Hanson remembers when Marge started teaching at HES: “Marge started teaching in our district when I was in 3rd grade (1967-1968). She was an excellent hands-on teacher, an inspiration for me in my teaching.”
Marge, of course, served on many boards and commissions for Haddam and was even easily elected First Selectman in the early to mid-1990’s. She also was a keen supporter of the Haddam Historical Society, whose director, Lisa Malloy, said of Marge’s passing, “I am heartbroken.” Sue DeCarli remembered, “Marge was a mentor to me and a very dear neighbor who motivated me to get involved in my community.”
Marge leaves behind three nieces in California. (She grew up in Santa Monica). On October 24, 2026, there will be a one-hour visitation at Doolittle Funeral Home in Middletown from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a brief service.
