Some lives shine so brightly, their light continues to guide us. Marjorie J. Carleton’s journey, from West Rutland to a loving matriarch, is a beautiful story of dedication and joy. What truly makes a life well-lived? Find out how one woman embraced every chapter.
The Rutland community mourns the passing of Marjorie Jankowski Carleton, who departed peacefully with her cherished family by her side on August 21, 2025, at the Rutland Regional Medical Center. Born on October 25, 1935, to James and Agnes (Aines) Baker, Marjorie’s life was a testament to enduring love, dedication, and the profound bonds of family.
Marjorie received her formative education in West Rutland, culminating in her graduation from West Rutland High School with the esteemed class of 1953. Her early career saw her diligently working as a bank teller, a role that showcased her meticulous nature and commitment to her local community.
Her life took a significant turn when she married Richard Jankowski. Together, they embarked on the beautiful journey of raising a family. Marjorie embraced her role as a devoted stay-at-home mother, nurturing her five children with unwavering care and affection, establishing a strong family legacy that would continue for generations.
Following Richard’s passing, Marjorie found companionship again and married Roland Carleton, who also predeceased her. These experiences shaped her resilience and character, demonstrating her capacity for love and commitment through life’s varying seasons.
Later in life, Marjorie re-entered the workforce, contributing her efforts to laundry service, housekeeping in Killington, and spending five dedicated years on the line at GE before her well-deserved retirement. Her varied career path highlighted her adaptability and strong work ethic, always ready to take on new challenges.
Beyond her professional and familial duties, Marjorie found immense joy in simple pleasures. She was an avid reader, delighting in the escape and knowledge found within books. Puzzles, lively family card games, a deep affection for animals, and tending to her plants were among her most cherished pastimes, reflecting a rich inner life and a love for growth and beauty.
Marjorie’s enduring spirit lives on through her loving family. She is survived by three sons, David Jankowski, Joseph Jankosky (Chere), and Mark Jankowski, along with two daughters, Darlene Bresnick and Lynn Armstrong (George). Her “AD,” Julie Monaco, also cherishes her memory, alongside her brother Richard Woods, and three sisters, Nancy Caggige, Dorothy Demario, and Kathleen Allen. Her legacy further extends through fifteen grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, underscoring the vastness of her family’s embrace.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Walter Baker, and sister, Alice Tabor, as well as grandchildren Jarrod Armstrong and Erica Hewitt, and great-grandchildren Zamara Austin and Colin Taft. These cherished individuals, though gone, remain an integral part of her family narrative.
A private burial will take place in Wallace Cemetery in Sudbury, honoring her wishes. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at the United Church of West Rutland at 11 a.m. on September 27, 2025, followed by a celebration of life from Noon until 4 p.m. at the West Rutland American Legion. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests gifts be made in her memory to the United Church of West Rutland or to the Rutland County Humane Society, Stevens Road in Pittsford, VT, reflecting her philanthropic spirit and commitment to community service.
