"The two shall become one flesh".  Ephesians (5 v31)

On August 25, 2023, William (Billy) Thayer Badger, 82, of Mashpee, MA, passed away peacefully in his sleep after a long-fought battle with prostate cancer. 4 days later after a brief illness, on August 29, 2023, Billys' wife, Marilyn Regina Badger, 80, of Mashpee, MA, passed away peacefully in her sleep. They walked side by side, hand in love for 63 years through this journey called life.  Their love was authentic, kind, enduring, and withstood the test of time on earth and now in eternity.

Billy was born on December 22, 1940, in New Haven, CT to the late Herman Sr and Gladys Badger (Welfare). A highly decorated Detective of the New Haven Police Department for 30 years, he was awarded over 30 commendations, unit citations, and letters of appreciation from the community. In his spare time, Billy enjoyed the smooth sounds of jazz, and was a die-hard NY Giants, NY Knicks and UCONN basketball fan. When not cheering for his teams or protecting the city of New Haven, he was our handyman extraordinaire.

Marilyn was born on May 14, 1943, in Newark, NJ to the late Fred and Bessie Foster. She had a successful 25-year career at Southern New England Telephone Company as a Forecast Supervisor.  In her free time with a needle and thread she created cross-stitch masterpieces for family and the Cape Cod Seventh-day Adventist Church in Osterville, MA, collected figurines, and was a novice gardener. On many Sundays, you could find her listening to the inspirational sounds of Aretha Franklin's album "Amazing Grace", cooking her specialty smothered pork chops with gravy, or rooting for her favorite team the New England Patriots.

Although both had thriving careers nothing was more important than family and friends. Billy and Marilyn logged many miles driving around rotaries and over Bourne Bridge visiting those near and dear to them. There were numerous trips to Hamden, CT, Newark, NJ, Harrisburg, PA, Dallas, TX, and around the globe. When they were unable to travel, their love was evident by a card, phone call, or a note for special occasions or just because.  There was never a moment that Billy and Marilyn were not thinking of family and helping others.

Billy and Marilyn are survived by their two daughters Jennifer (Wayne) Brooks, and Robin (Martin) Huckaby; four grandchildren Kristen (Anthony) Kanlong, Wayne Brooks, Ashley Lawhorn, Deja (Norberto) Torres; six great-grandchildren Gabrielle, Vivian, Jaylin, Skylar, Jaiden, Anastasia; siblings Herman Badger II, Robert Badger Sr., Gloria Flemming, and Barbara Greenlee. In addition to a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceded in death by their parents, Billy's stepfather William Welfare, son Scott Badger, and siblings; Frederick Foster, Barbara (Joyce) Davis, Barbara Welfare, and Nancy Watts.

A memorial service will be held at Hamden Memorial Funeral Home 1300 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT on October 6th, 2023, at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers please send donations to your charity of choice. Condolences may be expressed at Hamdenmemorialfuneralhome.com.