Marilyn Abelli, 92 years of age, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 16 at home.
Marilyn was born on September 17, 1931, in New London, New Hampshire to the late George W. Hersey and Grace (Woodward) Hersey. She was the oldest of four children. Marilyn was educated in the Sutton School System in New Hampshire.
Marilyn married the late Francis Abelli in 1953 and two children were born from this union. Marilyn set out to explore life’s possibilities at an early age and moved to Waltham, Massachusetts where she met her husband of forty-five years. They eventually moved to Tewksbury in 1965, where Marilyn has been a well-known resident for many years.
Marilyn had a passion for country, jazz, blues, and swing-era music. She was a talented singer and loved to share her beautiful singing voice with everyone. Marilyn was a member of the singing group the Mellotones and she frequently took the train into Boston in search of an open mic.
Marilyn lived an active life, traveling throughout the United States, she held dear the scenic Massachusetts and California coastlines. Always open to adventure, Marilyn made journeys across the US in a Jeep and she traveled independently well into her eighties. Marilyn along with her husband enjoyed many trips together and with their friends from the Tewksbury Senior Center.
Marilyn was patriotic, an active volunteer, and a proud New Englander. Laughing and always wearing a smile, Marilyn took great pleasure in telling amusing stories about her early beginnings. Marilyn was a loving and caring person, devoted wife, mother, and friend, always thinking of others first. She will be missed dearly by all of her family and dear friends.
Marilyn is survived by her sons, George Abelli and Frank Abelli, her sister Marsha (Hersey) Rand, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. She was also the sister of the late Malcolm Hersey and the late Marlene (Hersey) Scribner.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, May 18th, between 4 PM and 6 PM at Farmer & Dee Funeral Home in Tewksbury, MA. Funeral services will be held privately per Marilyn’s wishes.