Simone Marois

Simone Fortin Marois, 81, of Berlin, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 27, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with muscular dystrophy. She was born in Berlin on March 1, 1944, the daughter of Wilbrod and Rose Alba (Bourassa) Fortin, and was a lifelong resident of the community. Simone was a member of St. Kieran Church, now Good Shepherd Parish. Simone was a woman of resilience and grit—not only in facing the challenges of her illness, but in the way she lived and loved. Independent, outspoken, and loyal, she cared deeply for those she held close. She adored her grandchildren, and they brought her great pride and joy.

She married the love of her life, Steven Marois, at just 18 years old and remained devoted to him until his passing in 1991—a loss she carried with her always. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially tending to her flower gardens and watching the birds that gathered nearby at her beloved Willard Street home. In her earlier years, she especially treasured family camping trips to Papoose Pond and vacations to Old Orchard Beach with Steven and their children—those moments remained cherished throughout her life.

Family includes her daughter, Donna Marois, and her husband, Maurice Belanger, of Meredith, NH; her son, Donald “Mowie” Marois, and his wife, Stacy Couture, of Milan, NH; her grandchildren, Nicholas Belanger of Berlin, NH, Whitney (Belanger) Stephenson and her husband, Zach Stephenson, of Concord, NH, Steven Belanger of Loudon, NH, and Dominik Marois of Leesburg, FL; and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Steven Marois, and her siblings, Rene Fortin, Gerard Fortin, and Bella Breault.

Her presence was strong, her spirit unshakable, and her legacy one of courage and love. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Ave., Berlin. Interment will follow at St. Kieran Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday morning from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Muscular Dystrophy Association at www.mda.org.