Long Time Resident Honored as 2026 Westford Kiwanis Person of the Year 

Westford, MA — The Westford Kiwanis is proud to announce Marilyn Frank as the 2026 Westford Kiwanis Person of the Year, recognizing her decades of dedicated service and leadership that have helped shape and strengthen the Westford community.

Marilyn Frank moved to Westford 57 years ago to raise her three children and quickly became deeply involved in community life. Her commitment to education and public service began as a volunteer at Frost School under Principal Rita Miller. She later earned her teaching credentials and taught kindergarten through second grade for 29 years at Frost School, Robinson School, and Westford Academy when kindergarten classes were housed there.

Throughout her career in Westford Public Schools, Marilyn introduced several important educational initiatives, including advancing the kindergarten program and implementing multi-age elementary classrooms for grades one and two. While teaching first grade, she served as the district’s Health Coordinator for ten years, introducing alcohol- and drug-education programs as well as CPR instruction at the high school level before expanding the program to younger students. As a first grade teacher, she also served seven years as President of the Teachers’ Union.

After retiring from teaching in 1999, Marilyn helped manage the family business, Bagel Alley in Nashua, New Hampshire, which has served the community for 37 years. She later continued her public service through the Town Clerk’s office, first as a volunteer and then as a part-time employee from 2008 through 2024.

Marilyn’s dedication to Westford has extended well beyond education. She has served on the Conservation Commission for 24 years and currently represents the commission on the Community Preservation Committee, where she serves as Vice-Chair. She also serves on the Westford Board of Cemetery Commissioners.

Her lifelong passion for animals and service dates back to her upbringing in the Bronx and her early aspirations to attend veterinary school. Following high school and during college, Marilyn worked with cows and horses, and while teaching in Westford, she volunteered for 14 years milking cows on weekends for local farmer George Fletcher.

In 2017, Marilyn was recognized as an “Unsung Heroine” by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. Her contributions continue to enrich the lives of residents throughout the community.

“Marilyn Frank exemplifies the spirit of community service,” said the Westford Kiwanis. “Her lifelong dedication to education, conservation, public service, and community involvement has made a lasting impact on generations of Westford residents.”

The Westford Kiwanis proudly congratulates Marilyn Frank on being named the 2026 Westford Kiwanis Person of the Year and thanks her for a lifetime of extraordinary service.