Frances Anne (Palumbo) MacKillop passed away peacefully on August 30, 2022 after a brief period of declining health. She was 90.
She was born August 25, 1932 in Malden, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late Ignatius and Mildred (Orsini) Palumbo. She graduated from Girls’ Catholic High School in Malden, MA and went on to receive her secretarial certificate. Before settling down to raise a family, Frances worked as a secretary at the Jimmy Fund, an organization that was near and dear to her heart throughout her life.
Frances was a woman of faith who was known for her kind demeanor and chatty personality. She remained close with childhood friends throughout her life and enjoyed the company of new friends made along the way, especially those she gathered with at the Medford Senior Center.
In addition to time spent with friends, Frances enjoyed word puzzles, watching old movies, and when her husband was alive, cruising to the Caribbean. Anyone in Frances’s orbit was aware of her enthusiasm for the old crooners, particularly Frank Sinatra, and she was thrilled to be able to enjoy several of his concerts over the years. She cherished childhood summers spent at York Beach and continued summer visits well into her 80’s.
Lastly and most importantly, Frances loved her family. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Douglas, in 2010, with whom she enjoyed 50 years of marriage. She was a fiercely loyal daughter who cared for her mother for over 20 years while raising 3 children. A mother and grandmother who could always be counted on to be there through thick and thin, she leaves behind her daughter, Linda Stensgaard (Martin) of Bedford, New Hampshire, Laura Garofalo (Ronny), of Revere, MA, and Andrew MacKillop of Woburn, MA, her grandchildren Daniel and Severino Garofalo and Julia and Erik Stensgaard. As an only child, Frances was close to her cousins, who were like sisters to her, particularly Millie Venesi of Washington, DC, and Marie Venesi Callahan of Waltham, MA. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Douglas MacKillop, who passed away in 2010.
Frances had a special bond with her eldest grandson, Daniel, whom affectionately called her “Chief”.
Frances’ dying directive to her family and friends was be good to each other, live one day at a time, and be happy. She will be missed immensely by all who knew and loved her.
Her funeral will be held from the Beals-Geake-Magiozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 9:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian burial, celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High Street, Medford, at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Interment will be held in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frances’ memory to The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226 For additional information, please visit, www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.