On the afternoon of Sunday, March 26th, 2023, Marjorie Ann Whiting Ahlin passed away peacefully, attended by some of the multitude of friends who loved her. She was eighty-seven years vibrant.

Though thoroughly established as an effective and hardworking fixture of Machias’ community and cultural life, most people can scarcely recall that her origins were vaguely south of Downeast. She was born on November 24th, 1935 to Genevieve and Kenneth Whiting of Belmont, Massachusetts. An intelligent and earnest student, she was accepted to Boston’s Emerson College from which she subsequently graduated. Whilst matriculating at Emerson, she met her future husband – noted professor and historian – the late John Howard Ahlin, who also distinguished himself as a popular and hardworking member of the Machias community.

Wed in June of 1960, Marge and John began their extended visits to Machias that same year and, having fallen in love with the Shire Town, acquired and began lovingly tending to the J. Lowell Nash house in the 1970s. Also in the early 1960s, Marge and John welcomed the birth of their much-loved daughter, Jessie.

A dedicated and innovative professional of diverse and far-ranging interests, Marge worked in Boston’s Museum of Science, supported the development of John’s landmark thesis and respected book, Maine Rubicon: Downeast Settlers during the American Revolution, as well as his book on the life of the patriot Reverend James Lyon. Marge also built a fine reputation as a successful and respected realtor. Likewise, during the arc of her professional life, she managed twice moving her family to the country of Colombia (where she acquired a useful fluency in Spanish) when John’s teaching career took him there. Back in Machias, Marge also served as a volunteer at Machias’ historic Congregationalist Church. Its restoration was a cause to which she and John were passionately committed.

However, it may have been to live theater and supporting concert music performances that Marge made her most passionate contributions. The Machias Wild Blueberry Festival was a perennial venue for Ms. Ahlin’s directorial prowess, and most of what she directed was authored by her. A natural, meticulous director noted for her canny wit and polished sense of timing, Marge facilitated much laughter, appreciation, and depth of feeling in Downeast audiences for many years. Cast members, musicians, and technical crew also expressed their admiration and affection for their demanding but appreciative director. Just ten days before her passing, Marge revealed that she was once again excitedly consulting on a new script and score.

Marge Ahlin earned respect and recognition from many organizations as a luminous but thoughtfully modest volunteer. She was honored with numerous awards and presentations from groups that prized her energy, drive, and focus. She expended effort in an almost absent-minded way; she did what she saw as something that needed doing – and was almost always surprised when others would see it as commendable.

Later in life, Marge had what she described “an enchanted moment.” Alone and saddened by the loss of her late husband, John, Marge began to correspond with former Emerson classmate Roy Mollomo. Their communication led to a reunion and to each’s surprise and delight, nearly ten years of a convivial and happy partnership followed. Roy, a genuine, sophisticated prince of a fellow, passed away in 2022 at the age of eighty-nine. 

It bears saying that as many friends as Marge had, she truly loved every single one of them. She marveled at the gifts that she had been given in life. Chief amongst them, her parents, two fine and devoted gentlemen, and a daughter whose strength, care, and love she deeply cherished.

Marjorie Whiting Ahlin is survived by: her daughter, Jessie Ahlin Royall and Jessie’s life partner, J. Arnold Moore; nephews David Ahlin, John Ahlin, and Neil Butler; and nieces Heather Hayes and Holly Kelly.

A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, May 13th, 2023 at 2:00 o’clock at the Centre Street Congregational Church – United Church of Christ at 9 Centre Street, Machias, Maine 04654.

After the service, a reception for friends and family will follow at the Lee/Pellon Center, 90 Main St, Machias, Maine 04654.

A private family burial service will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John H. Ahlin Scholarship Fund c/o the Machias Savings Bank, PO Box 318, Machias, Maine 04654.