Marie Genthner, 90, of Damariscotta, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of April 17, 2026. Born on May 3, 1935 to Bertha and James P. Barker, of Somerville, Mass., Marie was one of four children. She was lucky to have three brothers: Jim, Russell, and Jerry. Marie attended St. Anne’s Catholic School and graduated from Somerville High School in 1953.
After graduating high school, Marie worked at Bonwit Teller’s Women’s Specialty Store until she moved to Maine where she met her future husband, Neil Genthner, in 1967. Marie and Neil were married on Jan. 27, 1968 in Newcastle. In 1970 Neil and Marie began building their home on Egypt Road in Damariscotta, where they were fortunate to reside until they passed. Marie and Neil were quick to fill the home with four children: Karen, Neil Jr., Jamie, and Robert. She considered her children her biggest blessing and spent most of her years raising them.
While building her family roots, Marie prided herself in being a hard worker. She was a familiar face around town, working at places such as Yellowfront Grocery, Cheechako Restaurant, and Contel (now Tidewater Telecom). She also worked off and on for Gallagher and Stein, the Come Again shop, Common Sense design, and catered on the side with her family friends.
Marie fully retired in 2018, and she then spent time volunteering at the Damariscotta Information Bureau where she shared her favorite town spots with the “outtatowners.” Marie was also a member of the Damariscotta Fire Department’s ladies auxiliary, the Massasoit Fire Flies, for many years and a proud member of the local “Red Hat Ladies” group.
Anyone who was lucky enough to spend time with Marie would never question her love for her family, especially her husband and grandchildren. Marie spent hours at practices and games, cheering on not only her own, but countless teammates throughout the years. She loved to know about everything everyone in the family was up to, and made time to listen to every story. She loved to camp with Neil, spend time at their lake house, travel cross country in their motor home, and beat anyone who wanted to play a good ole’ game of trash.
A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered, and Marie will be forever remembered as a beloved wife, mother, sister, friend, and to those she loved the most, Nan. Her family has peace in knowing Marie is back with Neil, dancing to their favorite song “May I Have This Dance.”
Marie was predeceased by her husband, Neil; parents, Bertha and James; brothers, James and Jerry; and grandson, Michael.
She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Karen, and husband, Dan; son, Neil Jr., and wife, Virginia; son, Robert; son, Jamie, and wife, Maria; grandchildren, Nicole, Jennifer, Brianna, Ava, Mary, and Sarah; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Taylor, Ryan, and Amelia; nieces, Liz Barker, Stacy Barker, Amanda Barker, Kimberly House, and Karen Prock; and nephews, Chris House and Jimmy Barker.
A time of visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home in Damariscotta. A memorial service to remember Marie will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marie’s honor to either Cove’s Edge Scholarship Fund, 26 Schooner St., Damariscotta, ME 04543; or the Community Energy Fund of Lincoln County, P.O. Box 40, Bristol, ME 04539.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences and messages for her family may be expressed by visiting stronghancock.com.
