Marion (Handy) Donley of Norwell, formerly of West Roxbury, passed away Saturday June 6, 2009. She was 80 years old.
Marion was born to Abraham and Ajia Handy on May 2, 1929 in their home in Boston's South End. Marion was the older sister to Julia and William Handy. She spent all of her childhood and early adult life living on East Brookline Street and entered grade school speaking only Arabic and French.
She met her husband Arthur and they married on July 4th 1951. Although for many years she worked as a secretary in their insurance business, her most important job in life was that of a wife, mother, sister, aunt, Sitto and friend. Marion loved her family and her Church. She was a kind, honorable and intelligent woman who had the unique ability of seeing only the positive attributes in everyone she met and made each and every person feel like family. She was always upbeat, happy and entered each day with a joyful attitude even after being diagnosed 40 years ago with the autoimmune disease Scleroderma.
Marion enjoyed being with people and cared about everyone who came into her life by accepting them unconditionally. If given the ability to take care of anyone in the world who was in need, she would have worked day and night helping others. Her fondest memories were of vacations on Cape Cod and Hilton Head Island, where she spent time relaxing near the peaceful ocean and being surrounded by her family. Although her health was compromised, especially the last few years, Marion viewed her illness as an afterthought, never letting it interfere with life and its greatest pleasures. Her strength and determination, even during her sickest days, were always an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She never asked, “Why me?” even when she was forced to sacrifice so much of what she enjoyed in order to get well.
Marion is a woman who will be missed by so many people and for those of us she has left behind, we are grateful for her love, and the many great years of memories and life lessons she has given us.
In addition to being the dear and devoted wife of Arthur Donley, Marion was the beloved mother of John Donley of Norwell, Kathleen Finn and her husband Francis of West Roxbury, Janet LaPointe and her husband Daniel of Dedham, Julianne Gilpin and her husband James of Norwell, and Diane Moore and her husband John of Canton. Loving grandmother “Sitto” of Kevin Finn and his wife Michelle, Katie Finn, Kelly, Sarah, and Danielle LaPointe, and Jacqueline and Arthur James "AJ" Gilpin. Great-Sitto of Cashton Finn. Dear sister of Julia Perfetti and the late William Handy. Loving sister-in-law of Anthony Perfetti and Jeanne Handy. She is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews.
Marion’s Funeral Service was held Wednesday June 10, 2009 at Our Lady of the Annunciation Melkite Cathedral West Roxbury. Contributions in Marion’s memory may be made to the Cathedral or to Boston Medical Center Patient Support Services ATTN: Salli Fennessey 820 Harrison Ave FGH2 Boston, MA 02118.
Interment Mt. Benedict Cemetery.