Marybelle Herman Cochran died on March 3 ^rd in Lexington, Ma. She successfully raised five children and one husband, despite a childhood upbringing which was not particularly "family oriented". She parented with determination, love and a touch o' luck.  She uncomplainingly accepted her husband's commitment to his medical career.  During her years focused on child rearing, she had the feeling "there's more to life than this!" She felt responsible for her mother after her father's death when she was 8, and agreed with her mother's emphasis on the importance of engaging in useful work and a commitment to social justice .

Marybelle was a woman of radiant charm, beauty and athleticism, who married at nineteen. She could light up a room with her smile although those who knew her well occasionally noted that, like a hedgehog, she had to be stroked in the right direction! By the early '60s she recognized the importance of women's rights and became a strong women's advocate. She admired Eleanor Roosevelt and had an avid interest in politics. A devout political liberal, at times she was known to demean conservatives. Marybelle was a regular poll worker on election day - smiling broadly at her Democratic friends and frowning at her Republican ones.   She started both reading and memoir writing groups with friends. As a tireless reader, she preferred biographies focused on women and politicians.

An active member and leader of multiple boards, she organized and marched for peace, was a longtime member of the Weston Democratic Town Committee, the League of Women Voters and worked for many years on the Harvard Admissions Committee. After graduating from the B.U. School of Social Work in her forties, she became a devoted clinical social worker. She co-founded "Mid-life Options for Women" in Brookline with a like-minded colleague, a new kind of educational and support organization focused on the challenges facing middle aged women.

Marybelle was an extrovert who enjoyed social events and loved having fun. She asked probing questions and answered honestly and directly. She enjoyed her grandchildren more in their teenage years, when they were able to engage intellectually with her. She always appreciated being teased. "Are you being serious?" was one of her favorite questions.

After marrying William D. Cochran, a Harvard undergraduate in 1946, she graduated from Radcliffe in 1949, and from the B.U. School of Social Work in 1974.  She is survived by her husband and her five children:  David, Susan, Nan, Martha and Tod, 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild.   Although she felt that life for women in the 50s was constraining, she flowered during the women's movement in the 70's when her career was able to blossom. The loss of her wonderful spirit, her ready laugh, her playfulness and her mother-bear personality leaves a large hole in her family.

A service will be held at Brookhaven in Lexington on Friday, April 13th at 1 p.m.

In lieu of donations, please continue on as engaged and thoughtful people. That is all Marybelle wanted us to be.